Three tries in the second half were not enough for the All Blacks as they were demolished 40-25 by France in Paris this morning.
This is the first victory for France in Paris against the All Blacks since 1973.
After leading 24-6 at half-time, the French weathered an all Black fightback in the second half and sealed the victory with a try to Damian Penaud in the 66th minute.
Les Bleus ended a 14-match losing streak against their rivals with tries by Peato Mauvaka, Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud, while Melvyn Jaminet kicked the rest of the points with clockwork precision.
New Zealand, who threatened a comeback with three tries in 20 minutes early in the second half through Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Ardie Savea, suffered their second defeat in a row after being humbled 29-20 by Ireland last weekend.
France’s stunning performance completed a perfect series for them after wins against Argentina and Georgia.
New Zealand had not lost against Les Bleus since 2009 and had been unbeaten in France since 2000.
It was the final game of the All Blacks' 2021 season and the second back-to-back defeat for the team in 12 months.
The two teams will face off at the same venue in the opening game of the Rugby World Cup in two years.
[Source: Radio NZ]
