Can Sluggish New Zealand Bounce Back Against a Depleted France?

New Zealand vs France: A Tense First Test Encounter

The first Test match between New Zealand and France in Dunedin provided a thrilling yet tense atmosphere for rugby fans. Despite a subdued performance by the All Blacks, they managed to secure a narrow victory against a France team that fielded a significantly altered lineup. With highlights including Will Jordan's two tries, the match was filled with drama, including a controversial TMO decision that denied Jordan a hat-trick. This article delves into the intricacies of the match, the performances of key players, and what the future holds for both teams in the ongoing series.

Match Overview and Key Moments

The All Blacks concluded the match with a score of 31-27, marking their first win against France since 2018. The contest unfolded at Forsyth Barr Stadium under a roof, which added an unusual but exciting dynamic to the game. New Zealand entered the match as favorites but faced a French side that was missing several key players from their recent Six Nations campaign.

First Half Highlights

The match kicked off with immediate drama as New Zealand's winger Sevu Reece suffered a serious injury, being knocked unconscious in the first minute. This forced an early substitution, with Damian McKenzie stepping in and Will Jordan shifting to the right flank. France capitalized on the early chaos, quickly taking a 10-0 lead with a penalty from Joris Segonds and a try from Mickael Guillard.

• **0:01** - Sevu Reece injured, replaced by Damian McKenzie.
• **3:00** - Joris Segonds kicks a penalty for France.
• **10:00** - Guillard scores the first try, putting France ahead.

New Zealand responded vigorously. After an initial try from Jordie Barrett was ruled out due to a knock-on, the All Blacks regrouped. The Barrett brothers—Scott and Beauden—combined effectively to send Will Jordan over in the right corner, sparking a resurgence from the hosts.

Mid-Game Turnaround

As the match progressed, New Zealand began to find their rhythm. Tupou Vaa'i scored a powerful try, and minutes later, Jordie Barrett finally crossed the line, giving the All Blacks a comfortable 21-13 lead at halftime. However, the French team was far from finished.

• **25:00** - Will Jordan scores his first try.
• **30:00** - Tupou Vaa'i adds another try for New Zealand.
• **39:00** - Jordie Barrett scores, extending the lead to eight points.

Second Half Drama

The second half began with an electrifying moment as Gabin Villiere scored for France, narrowing the gap to just one point. The match turned into a nail-biter as both teams fought for dominance. Will Jordan managed to score his second try of the match, reinstating some breathing space for New Zealand.

• **41:00** - Villiere scores early in the second half.
• **50:00** - Will Jordan notches his second try.

However, the tension didn't dissipate. Cameron Woki came off the bench for France to score a try, leaving the score at 28-27 and setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The pressure intensified as Villiere received a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, giving New Zealand a temporary advantage.

The Final Minutes

Despite two tries being disallowed by the TMO—one each for Billy Proctor and Jordan—Beauden Barrett's late penalty sealed the match for the All Blacks. This victory, although hard-fought, was a reminder of the challenges New Zealand faces as they prepare for the forthcoming tests.

Player Performances

As is often the case in high-stakes matches, individual performances can make or break a team's success. Here are some standout players from the match:

Will Jordan

With two tries to his name, Will Jordan was undoubtedly a key player for New Zealand. His ability to find space and exploit defensive lapses was critical in the All Blacks’ attack. However, the TMO's decision to rule out a potential hat-trick adds an intriguing layer to his performance.

Beauden Barrett

As a veteran of the team, Beauden Barrett showcased his leadership and kicking precision. His four conversions and crucial late penalty point to his ability to step up when it matters most. His experience will be invaluable as the series progresses.

France’s Resilience

Despite the loss, France's performance was commendable. Players like Mickael Guillard and Gabin Villiere showed that the French team can be a potent attacking force, even with a less experienced lineup. Their ability to stay competitive in a challenging environment speaks to the depth of talent within the French squad.

What Lies Ahead for Both Teams?

As the first Test concludes, both teams will have valuable lessons to reflect upon. New Zealand will look to solidify their performance and address inconsistencies, especially in defense. The upcoming matches are crucial for their preparation as they aim to regain their dominance in international rugby.

Meanwhile, France will take confidence from their performance and focus on maintaining momentum in the next Test. With a roster that showed resilience and creativity, they could very well challenge New Zealand again.

Conclusion

The first Test between New Zealand and France was a captivating encounter that showcased the unpredictability and excitement of rugby. As both teams prepare for the next match, fans can expect even more intensity and drama. The series is far from over, and with the stakes high, each team's response will be crucial.

As rugby enthusiasts, we eagerly await the next chapter in this thrilling series. Will New Zealand improve their performance, or can France capitalize on their recent success? The questions linger, making the upcoming Test must-watch rugby.

FAQs

What is a TMO in rugby?

A TMO, or Television Match Official, is an official who reviews footage of the game to assist the referee with decisions regarding tries, foul play, or other contentious incidents during the match.

How many tests are in the series between New Zealand and France?

The series consists of three Test matches, with the next one scheduled for 12 July in Wellington.

Who were the key players in the first Test?

Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, and Mickael Guillard were among the standout players in the first Test, each contributing significantly to their teams' performances.

As the series unfolds, which team do you think will come out on top? #Rugby #AllBlacks #FranceRugby