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.
France 24-6 New Zealand
39 mins: What a stop from France! New Zealand retained possession from the lineout and a flurry of passes and a quick side-step saw Coles drive to the line. He was almost over but a combination of Dupont and Jelonch strip the ball from his grasp - leading to a five-metre scrum with the clock in the red.
France 24-6 New Zealand
38 mins: New Zealand win a second penalty and they make the big call of going to the corner just before half time.
France 24-6 New Zealand
36 mins: France are dialling up the pressure at every opportunity - Villiere meets Smith with a big hit before Barrett is swarmed by Dupont. A France offside gives New Zealand a breather, and they kick into the France half for some much-needed territory.
TRY! France 24-6 New Zealand (Mauvaka 32’)
What is happening?! This is stunning from France!
It’s a copy of the opening try, driving over from the lineout, and it’s Peato Mauvaka who scores his second of the game! That’s his fifth try in just nine France caps!
Jaminet brings France up to 24 points!
France 17-6 New Zealand
30 mins: This is a sublime display of attacking rugby from France! Dupont eyes the quick switch of play and Fickou cleverly palms the ball down to Ntamack, who breaks! Villiere carried the ball to five metres but couldn’t wriggle clear as New Zealand recovered. He was forced out into touch and France have another lineout in a promising position!
France 17-6 New Zealand
27 mins: So close to another France try! Barrett spills the ball after New Zealand tried to carry the ball through the middle, and then suddenly Les Blues were on the attack!
Fickou plays a clever kick through towards Jaminet, who couldn’t quite beat Ioane to the line. New Zealand recover and it will be a five-metre scrum.
France 17-6 New Zealand (Jaminet pen 26’)
It’s another brilliant kick from Jaminet, and that extends France’s lead to 11.
France 14-6 New Zealand
25 mins: Retallick wins the ball ahead of Woki but New Zealand then concede a holding on penalty from the ruck. Jaminet will kick for goal.
France 14-6 New Zealand
23 mins: The mistakes from New Zealand are starting to add up. Barrett’s kick from outside his 22 goes straight into touch and puts France in a promising position.
Mauvaka then hits a camera that was too close to him as he lined up the lineout!
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