Sluggish New Zealand overcome depleted France

First Test: New Zealand v France

New Zealand (21) 31

Tries: Jordan 2, Vaai’i, S. Barrett Cons: B. Barrett 4 Pens: B. Barrett

France (13) 27

New Zealand delivered an underwhelming performance in Dunedin to narrowly beat France for the first time since 2018.

The All Blacks led 21-13 at the break, and despite a depleted French side moving within a point shortly after the restart, the hosts were able to see out the game following a late penalty from Beauden Barrett.

Played under a roof at the Forsyth-Barr stadium, New Zealand faced a French XV that only featured three players from their final match of this year’s Six Nations.

Will Jordan scored a try in each half for the All Blacks, with Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i also going over as Beauden Barrett kicked four conversions.

There was drama right from the off as Sevu Reece was knocked unconscious less than a minute in when the New Zealand winger clattered into a French hip. Damian McKenzie replaced him and Jordan moved to the right flank.

France soon established a 10-0 lead as Joris Segonds kicked a penalty before Guillard crossed by the right post.

The home side responded as a Jordie Barrett try was denied by a knock-on but minutes later his brothers Scott and Beauden combined to send Jordan over in the right corner.

McKenzie kept up the momentum for the hosts, shrugging off four opponents before Vaa’i barged over to put the All Blacks four points up.

The Barrett brothers struck again on the stroke of half-time, as Jordie was able to touch down.

That eight-point lead disappeared soon after the break, as Segonds spread the ball wide to Villiere who jogged through a hole in the All Blacks’ line to score.

And although New Zealand responded with Jordan’s second try of the match, Woki came off the bench for the tourists to score his try and set up a nervy finish.

That pressure was eased slightly when Villiere was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.

Billy Proctor and Jordan both had tries disallowed by the TMO but Beauden Barrett was able to settle the game with his boot six minutes from time.