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.
England vs South Africa: Marcus Smith reacts to ‘special’ win
“I can’t believe it, this was the game we wanted to target. The boys bought in, we got close as a group. This was a massive part of our journey. To beat the world champions at home was special.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget. It was mental, having to wait so long. It delayed everything and made it more nerve-racking. I was told, ‘back yourself, believe in yourself,’ it was brilliant.
“It was slow motion to me. Retrieving the kick-off, they came hard, to celebrate at the end was special, this group will never forget that day.
“It’s everything I wanted growing up as a kid, growing up in Asia, it goes down to family. They keep me grounded. Them people around me is special, I'll keep working."
Wales vs Australia
After England’s stunning over the world champions at Twickenham, the action continues as Wales host Australia at a packed Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Wales survived a scare by 14-man Fiji last weekend and Wayne Pivac’s side are looking to finish their November with a statement win after falling to defeats to New Zealand and South Africa.
Australia, meanwhile, are out to avoid a third defeat in a row, following losses in Edinburgh and London.
It should be a cracker!
FT: England 27-26 South Africa
You don’t win too many games of international rugby conceding 18 penalties. There were times in that second half where it felt like South Africa were about to surge away as momentum swung solely the way of the Springboks, but England just about hung on to dagged them at the death.
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, who is always so impressively magnanimous in defeat:
“We’re disappointed with the loss but it was a great game. It’s a pity that we couldn’t finish strong but I’m proud of the boys. We just made a couple of mistakes.
“We never make excuses - I’m proud of how the boys have done this year. We’ve been so lucky to play.”
FULL TIME! ENGLAND 27-26 SOUTH AFRICA
Incredible scenes at Twickenham! Freddie Steward is the player of the match.
“To be honest I was just thinking, ‘Marcus, please don’t miss!’” he says. “We dug in, we fought. They are so physical. It’s an unbelievable win.
“In those one-point games, when you win the emotion just comes out.
“The last time we played South Africa I was in the student bar! If you said to be then that I’d be out on the pitch I wouldn’t believe you.”
England 27-26 South Africa, 80 minutes
Freddie Steward leaps, tumbles...PENALTY TO ENGLAND! SOUTH AFRICA CRASH INTO THE FULL-BACK IN THE AIR AND THAT WILL SEAL IT FOR ENGLAND!
PENALTY! ENGLAND 27-26 South Africa (Marcus Smith, 80 minutes)
TWICKENHAM ROARS! It’s between the posts! South Africa will restart but England lead with time expiring!
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