All Blacks Edge France in Thrilling Dunedin Test.

All Blacks Edge France in Thrilling Dunedin Test

 

The All Blacks narrowly defeated a determined and youthful French side 31–27 in the opening Test of the three-match mid‑year series at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. In one of the most gripping encounters of the season, New Zealand, coached by Scott Robertson, managed to cling on despite early shocks, immense French pressure, and a late scare .

Early French Surge Shakes the Hosts

 

From kickoff, France, sporting a significantly under-strength squad, burst out of the blocks. With debutant fly-half Joris Segonds slotting a penalty inside seven minutes and Gabin Villière finishing off a well-worked try on 16 minutes, Les Bleus raced to a 10‑0 lead . Their aggressive high-ball strategy disrupted New Zealand’s rhythm, exposing aerial weaknesses and unsettling the home side early .

 

All Blacks Respond with Brilliance

 

New Zealand hit back emphatically. Tupou Vaa’i powered over in the 26th minute, initiating a turnaround. Then came the boost: Jordie Barrett’s 39th-minute try—and seamless conversion from his brother, Beauden—put the All Blacks ahead 21–13 at halftime .

 

In the second half, world-class winger Will Jordan—ranked among the top 10 players globally—dotted down twice, matching milestones and inching closer to Doug Howlett’s All Blacks try-scoring record . His first came in the 19th minute; another put New Zealand in firm control after halftime .

 

French Fightback and a Final Thriller

 

Never to be underestimated, France struck back. Gabin Villière crossed again for his second try, narrowing the gap, and then Mickaël Guillard added a 42-minute bonus . With momentum shifting, France managed to pull within just one point. By the 80th minute, the score was 28–27, leaving Dunedin gasping .

 

New Zealand weathered the storm—despite the referee ruling against Will Jordan’s would-be hat-trick try due to obstruction—and Beauden Barrett stepped up under immense pressure to land a late penalty, extending the lead to 31–27 .

 

Key Talking Points

 

1. French Spirit, Young Talent

 

Despite being depleted—only three players from the team that claimed the Six Nations title faced New Zealand—France displayed immense composure and flair. The lineouts, breakdown work, and aerial contest were notable highlights. Debutants and lesser-known players produced performances that belie their experience, offering positive signs ahead .

 

2. All Blacks Resilience and Tactical Shift

 

Coach Robertson’s bold selection of three Barrett brothers—Scott, Beauden, and Jordie—paid dividends. Leadership, solidity, and clinical finishing came at crucial moments. Willis Jordan’s attacking flair and Barrett’s composure under pressure proved decisive.

 

Tactically, New Zealand tightened up in the second half, commanding possession and shutting down French breaks. The combination of veteran nous and youthful vigor ultimately carried them through.

 

3. Setbacks and Solutions

 

Injuries to Sevu Reece in the first minute tested New Zealand’s depth, but replacements like Damian McKenzie stepped in expertly . The high-ball incompetence early on, which France exploited, remains a red flag for the All Blacks ahead of Tests II and III.

 

Player of the Match

 

Will Jordan was outstanding, scoring two tries and orchestrating stretches of attacking brilliance. His timing and poise in open play reminded many of early Will<->Jordans.

 

Credit also goes to Joris Segonds, whose composed kicking earned France early superiority, and trailblazing French forwards like Mickael Guillard, who proved clinical near the line.

 

Series Implications & Next Steps

 

The 31‑27 result sets up a fiery showdown: France proved they can compete even without full strength, embedding belief that they can break their hoodoo against New Zealand. The All Blacks, meanwhile, have a mop-up job but must refine tactics around aerial control and discipline.

 

Next Tuesday, July 12, New Zealand hosts France again in Wellington. The home side will look to tighten their grip early, while Les Bleus, buoyed by this performance, will aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses.

 

Historical Context

 

This was the Dave Gallaher Trophy opener—a trophy contested since 2000 between New Zealand and France. France has never beaten the All Blacks more than 15 times in 64 tests . Despite the narrow defeat, France’s spirited outing signals a potential turning point and a bonus for rugby-neutral audiences.

 

 

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Final Score:

All Blacks 31

France 27

 

It was a match filled with physicality, tactical intrigue, moments of flair, and last-minute drama—the kind of Test that sets up the rest of a series perfectly.

 

 

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