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! Wales 23-20 Australia (WHITE 61’)
What a move from Australia! Kurtley Beale makes a lovely side-step on Halaholo to create a line, and the full-back then drives away from Wainwright. Nic White makes the supporting run and finishes it off at the second attempt after Williams had got back to briefly halt him at the line.
This isn’t done yet!
YELLOW CARD! Wales 23-13 Australia (Thomas)
58 mins: Both teams will be have 14 men for the next 10 minutes after Gareth Thomas is shown a yellow card for his clear out.
His arm made contact with Alaalatoa’s head.
Australia are unable to make any ground from the penalty.
Wales 23-13 Australia
57 mins: Wales broke well from the scrum as Williams came out with ball in hand. He then found Wainwright, who was making a run on the outside, before Wales went through the middle with Ellis Jenkins.
However, after Jenkins is tackled, Gareth Thomas storms in with the clear out and catches Alaalatoa.
He could be in trouble here.
Wales 23-13 Australia
56 mins: Lovely break from Australia, with Iktiau making the initial burst before then playing a smart offload to Daugunu. Australia had a spare man over in Samu, but Daugunu’s pass went forward.
Wales 23-13 Australia
54 mins: Wales edge their way up the pitch after a couple of kicks from Biggar, either side of a lineout which Australia had won back.
Wales 23-13 Australia
51 mins: That’s a huge turnover! Australia’s rolling maul was pushing for the line but Wales were able to hold them at bay before winning the penalty at the breakdown!
Wales 23-13 Australia
49 mins: Sloppy restart from Wales as Halaholo knocks on under little pressure from kick-off. Wales hold off the initial pressure after Australia elected to go for the corner - but Australia then pick up a second penalty and will try again on the opposite wing.
TRY! Wales 23-13 Australia (Tompkins 48’)
What a strange try! Everyone is frozen as Tompkins blocks a pass from Wright - everyone thinks the ball has been knocked on, but the referee disagrees and Tompkins picks up the ball before carrying the ball over the line under no pressure! Tompkins picked up the ball and turned to the referee, who gave him the go-ahead to continue. The TMO confirms that the ball went backwards and the try stands!
Biggar adds the conversion.
Wales 16-13 Australia
46 mins: Australia eventually come away with the ball as the Wallabies build some nice possession but Wales stand strong.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments