A brilliant start and a fine performance throughout by France earned them a 40-25 win over the All Blacks at the Stade de France on Saturday evening.
The French gave the All Blacks their first shock when Peato Mauvata crossed the try line in the second minute. Melvyn Jaminet succeeded with the conversion to make it 7-0.
France scored their second try through Romain Ntamack in the 13th minute and Jaminet succeeded with the conversion to give his side a 14-0 lead.
Jaminet converted a penalty in the 26th minute and Mauvaka scored his second try of the match eight minutes later. Jaminet was once again successful with the conversion.
The French led 24-6 at half-time and it looked like the New Zealanders were going to be buried by a big margin. Jordie Barrett converted two penalties in the first half.
Things changed a little bit at the beggining of the second half as the All Blacks came back stronger. They scored two quick tries by Barrett and Rieko Ioane following good moves by Aaron Smith. Barrett only succeeded with one conversion.
The French were not done as Jaminet converted a penalty to make it 27-18, but once again, the All Blacks pushed forward and scored a try through Ardie Savea on the hour mark. Barrett succeeded with the conversion to make it 27-25.
Jaminet stretched France’s lead with a successful penalty in the 66th minute. Two minutes later, Damian Penaud scored a try following an interception. Jaminet’s boot added two more points. Jaminet converted a penalty right at the death to make it 40-25.
This is the first French victory over the All Blacks since 2010. On the other hand, the All Blacks lost back-to-back matches for the second time in 10 years.
