France vs New Zealand LIVE: Rugby result and final score as All Blacks conclude 2021 Autumn Nations Series
Les Bleus clinched a first victory over the All Blacks since 2009 and a first win at the Stade de France since 1973
France held off a second-half fightback from New Zealand to claim a 40-25 victory in Paris and end a 14-match losing streak against the All Blacks.
New Zealand, looking for an immediate response to last weekend’s 29-20 loss to Ireland, trailed 24-6 at half-time as a rampant Les Blues took complete control at the Stade de France.
However, three tries in 12 minutes after the interval - from Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Ardie Savea - saw New Zealand close to within two points of their hosts at 27-25, as well as becoming the first team in Test match history to score 100 tries in a single season.
At that point French hopes of a first win over the three-time World Cup winners since 2009 looked to be fading fast, but an incident in the 63rd minute saw the pendulum swing back their way.
Savea was sin-binned to reduce New Zealand to 14 men and France took full advantage with Melvyn Jaminet slotting over the resulting penalty before Damian Penaud broke away for an interception try.
At 37-25 down, there was no way back for New Zealand and France, who had seen Peato Mauvaka score twice either side of Romain Ntamack’s try in a dominant first-half display, wrapped up a memorable win with Jaminet’s late penalty.
TRY! France 24-18 New Zealand (Ioane 51’)
Two tries in quick succession from the All Blacks - you can never write them off!
It came after a quick turnover, with Whitelock instrumental in stealing in at the breakdown.
New Zealand went right as Smith whipped the ball into Ioane’s hands. He spotted the gap inside Villiere and motored to the line - that was a stunning turn of speed.
Barrett adds the kick from a central position.
France 24-11 New Zealand
49 mins: Mauvaka makes an error as he goes to close down Smith before the ball was out of the ruck.
But France get away with it as New Zealand give away a penalty themselves after they had gained 40 metres or so.
Jaminet sends France back into the New Zealand half.
TRY! France 24-11 New Zealand (Barrett 47’)
New Zealand hit back! They sustained their attack five metres out, aided by the penalty advantage. They go left, and Smith whips a wicked pass out wide to Barrett, who finishes past Penaud in the corner.
Barrett hooks his kick from the touchline.
France 24-6 New Zealand
45 mins: France win another penalty from the lineout, but Jaminet’s kick doesn’t make it into touch. He really tried to push that into the corner but Barrett was able to keep it in.
France 24-6 New Zealand
42 mins: It’s well claimed by New Zealand, but then France force them back! Tupaea goes for the carry but France win the penalty and Jaminet clears!
France 24-6 New Zealand
41 mins: France concede a penalty within 30 seconds, with Cyril Baille off his feet at the ruck.
New Zealand go to the corner...
KICK-OFF! France 24-6 New Zealand
Back underway at the Stade de France! How will the All Blacks respond to the battering the received in the first half?
HALF TIME: France 24-6 New Zealand
I think the French enjoyed that first half against the All Blacks...
Second half coming up next - can France hold on to secure a famous result?
HALF TIME: France 24-6 New Zealand
There was some incredible rugby played in that half from France, and Romain Ntamack was usually at the heart of it.
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