Cam Roigard and Will Jordan crossed twice as the All Blacks held off France in Dave Rennie’s first Test in charge, kicking off the Nations Championship in style on Saturday.
Les Bleus flew out the blocks in Christchurch, right winger Damian Penaud crossing inside two minutes before New Zealand hit back through opposite number Jordan.
A Ruben Love yellow card and a Maxine Lucu penalty kept the visitors in touch, but tries from flanker Peter Lakai and scrumhalf Roigard saw the hosts lead 19-13 at the break.
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The French responded early in the second half, replacement Antoine Hastoy crossing the whitewash. Roigard struck again, before left winger Theo Attissogbe dotted down to keep Les Bleus within range.
Love’s penalty stretched the All Blacks’ lead before Jordan completed his brace to put New Zealand in control.
France flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert had the final say with a converted try, but it wasn’t enough, the All Blacks holding on for a 34-32 win.
Captain Ardie Savea admitted his side had been given a severe test.
“It was tough. The French were quality tonight. When we had the ball in our hands, we were dangerous,” he said.
“A Test match is always going to bring its challenges. France came to play and put us under pressure. I am proud of the boys for what they put in.”
ALL BLACKS – Tries: Will Jordan (2), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard (2). Conversions: Ruben Love (3). Penalty: Love.
FRANCE – Tries: Damian Penaud, Antoine Hastoy, Theo Attissogbe, Matthieu Jalibert. Conversions: Maxime Lucu (2), Hastoy. Penalties: Lucu (2).
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
