The All Blacks edged France 31-27 in a thrilling opening test of the three-match series in Dunedin last night, surviving a late scare to claim the win.
The French side opened the scoring with a penalty goal, before a backline break enabled forward Mickaël Guillard to barge over from close range for a 10-0 lead.
The All Blacks then hit back through a well-worked try to fullback Will Jordan, who moved to the wing, when Damian McKenzie came on to replace Sevu Reece, who left the field with a concussion in the opening minute.
New Zealand led 21-13 at the break.
The French narrowed the deficit in the second half and managed to score another try, reducing the All Blacks' lead to 21-20.
France had a player yellow-carded midway through the second half, but the All Blacks couldn't capitalise, with two tries disallowed while France had 14 men.
The All Blacks then extended their lead to 31-27 with a penalty goal with six minutes to play and that's how the score remained, with the hosts hanging on to take a 1-nil series lead.
Meanwhile, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians will play the Wallabies at 3.30 this afternoon at the Newcastle International Sports Centre.
Source: RNZ
