The French, who had never beaten the New Zealanders at the Stade de France, scored a big blow, Saturday, November 20, by winning a clear victory (40-25) which confirms their return to the fore on the international scene.

The Blues took the All Blacks by the throat from the start of the match and were able to be quickly effective by scoring a try in the 3rd minute, hooker Peato Mauvaka managing to flatten the ball in the New Zealand in-goal after a nice push from the French forwards.

The back Melvyn Jaminet then took charge of transforming him to give the Blues a points lead.

Shaken at the start of the game, the All Blacks were able to count on the precision of Jordie Barett who scored two penalties and brought his team to 1 point from the Blues (7-6).

But they failed to contain the ardor of the French led in attack by a very inspired Romain Ntamack, author of a magnificent second try in the 12th minute.

The French never relaxed their grip during this first half, depriving the disorganized All Blacks of balloons.

Aware of the importance of increasing their advantage against this formidable opponent, they made ambitious game choices and were rewarded with a second try from hooker Mauvaka, transformed by Jaminet (24-6)

Penaud's saving interception

This capital of points proves to be precious from the start of the second half.

The All Blacks show other intentions and put the Blues under pressure, managing to register two tries in less than 5 minutes.

France is more hesitant and it only scores three points at the foot to lead 27 to 18 in the 55th minute.

Despite a new attempt by the All Blacks in the 59th minute, the French do not seem to doubt their ability to beat these All Blacks returned to only 2 points (27-25).

An incredible recovery from Romain Ntamack from the French in-goal gives the public shivers, who then sees Jaminet and Dupont carrying danger in the opposing camp.     

The atmosphere rises again in the 68th minute when Damian Penaud intercepts a New Zealand ball to go register the fourth try of the Blues who then give themselves a breath of fresh air by leading 37 to 25.

Beaten on the wire several times this year, the French this time held out and even continued to dominate the All Blacks during the last 10 minutes of the match.

Melvyn Jaminet, author of 20 points at the foot, seals the score of the match with a last penalty (40-25)

The French therefore finally beat the All Blacks at the Stade de France, for their eighth meeting.

And they already have in mind their reunion in this chamber on September 8, 2023. Conversely, the New Zealanders end their year with a new setback, a week after being beaten by Ireland.   

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