The All Blacks have finished the Europe tour finale with a 24‑19 win over France.
France pushed the All Blacks to their physical limits as they dominated their scrum, but ultimately it was New Zealand’s ability to absorb pressure that proved too irresistible as they initially struggled for possession and also conceded 13‑7 in the penalty count.
It was playmaker Beauden Barrett, who shifted to fullback in the second spell, was the man who twisted the pressure valve to allow the All Blacks to breathe after repeated waves of French attacks threatened to suffocate them.
It was Barrett’s cross‑kick early in the match that set‑up a try for Israel Dagg, and his sharp eye‑hand coordination turned a dangerous French surge into despair when he snared an interception and raced almost the full length of the field to score.
Inexperienced Rieko Ioane, who made several strong bursts to add fire to the attack, to operate at centre.
All Blacks 24 (Israel Dagg, Beauden Barrett, Charlie Faumuina tries; Barrett 3 con, pen ) France 19 (Louis Picamoles try; Maxime Machenaud 2 pen, Baptiste Serin 2 pen, con). HT: 10‑6.
Source: Stuff.co
