The All Blacks kicked off the Dave Rennie era with a thrilling 34-32 victory over France in Christchurch, marking a positive start despite some rough patches. The match showcased the All Blacks' resilience as they navigated through numerous challenges against a significantly weakened French side.

Match Overview

In a closely contested encounter featuring six lead changes, the All Blacks managed to secure their first win in Christchurch in a decade, earning their initial points in the new Nations Championship. The game unfolded in ideal conditions, but the All Blacks struggled with their execution at times. France, missing eight Top 14 finalists, proved to be a formidable opponent, demonstrating the depth of talent in their rugby competition. A second-half try by French centre Fabien Brau-Boirie was disallowed due to an earlier knock-on, a decision that could have altered the match's outcome had France capitalized on their scoring chances.

Key Moments

After exchanging scores throughout the match, Will Jordan extended the All Blacks' lead with his second try, putting them ahead by nine points. However, the French team responded tenaciously, with Matthieu Jalibert crossing the line to narrow the gap to just two points, setting the stage for a tense finish. The All Blacks managed to maintain their composure in the closing moments, with Ruben Love sealing the victory by kicking the ball into the stands.

While the All Blacks celebrated their win, the performance revealed areas needing improvement. Their defense showed vulnerabilities, and their kicking options were not consistently accurate. The team struggled with high balls, and similar issues from the previous year resurfaced during the third quarter. As they review the match footage, game management and awareness will be crucial focal points for future development.

Despite the lack of cohesion evident in dropped balls and errant passes, the All Blacks displayed a clear intent to attack and utilize space effectively. They opted to keep the ball in hand, kicking only six times in the first half, which allowed them to play at a fast pace. The debut of players Xavier Numia, Jamie Hannah, and Fehi Fineanganofo added a positive note to the match, indicating a promising direction for Rennie's tenure. Man of the match Cam Roigard made significant contributions, including two tries, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.