Fullback Thomas Ramos contributed 19 points as France humiliated the All Blacks 29-13 in a 2023 Rugby World Cup Pool A opening match at Stade de France in St Denis on Friday evening.
The All Blacks started the match with a frenetic pace with Mark Telea getting their first try in the second minute. Richie Mo’unga missed the conversion.
Thereafter, Les Bleus fullback Ramos succeeded with three penalties, which gave the tournament hosts a 9-8 lead at half-time.
Telea scored his second try of the match three minutes into the second half. Unfortunately, Mo’unga missed a second conversion.
The French attacked in search of their first try and their efforts were rewarded when Damian Penaud scored a fiver in the 55th minute. Ramos added two more points from a successful conversion for a 16-13 lead.
The 28-year-old Ramos extended Les Bleus’ lead by six points after he slotted in another penalty in the 65th minute. Ramos added another three points to make it 22-13 in the 74th minute.
The French were not done yet as Melvyn Jaminet crossed the try line for a 27-13 lead. Ramos succeeded with the conversion to make it 29-13.
Meanwhile, this was the first time ever that the All Blacks lost a pool game in a Rugby World Cup tournament.
