France Secures Narrow Victory Over New Zealand, Inflicting First Autumn Defeat

France defeated New Zealand 30-29. Thomas Ramos initiated Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s try with a well-placed kick. France’s 30 points comprised tries from Buros, Boudehent, and Bielle-Biarrey, three conversions by Ramos, and three penalties by Ramos. New Zealand’s 29 points were accumulated through tries by Lakai and Roigard, two conversions by B Barrett, and penalties by B Barrett and McKenzie (4). The halftime score was France (10) to New Zealand (17). France achieved a narrow victory against New Zealand, marking the All Blacks’ initial loss in their Autumn Nations Series campaign. This outcome also meant the All Blacks could not retaliate for their opening-game loss at the previous year’s Rugby World Cup, an event that similarly took place at Stade de France. The team led by Scott Robertson, having previously overcome England and Ireland in their initial two autumn international matches, negated an early penalty from Thomas Ramos by scoring two tries in the first half. Flanker Peter Lakai scored his inaugural international try, and scrum-half Cam Roigard intercepted a pass from Gregory Alldritt, further increasing the visitors’ lead. The home team, experiencing difficulties with their scrum and line-out during the first half, narrowed the score difference thanks to a try from debutant Romain Buros. Paul Boudehent’s try, originating from a maul, helped re-establish confidence in the line-out early in the second half. Subsequently, 21-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey sprinted to connect with Ramos’ kick, securing his ninth international try. Replacement fly-half Damian McKenzie’s kicking was decisive in Dublin on Friday, as he converted four penalties, allowing the All Blacks to remain competitive. Nevertheless, Ramos demonstrated comparable precision with his kicks, accumulating 15 points, thereby justifying his selection at fly-half over Matthieu Jalibert for the second consecutive week, following his participation in the initial autumn victory against Japan. All Blacks captain Ardie Savea commented to TNT Sports, stating, “We felt like we were in control and were pretty accurate in the first half,” after his team’s losing streak against France reached three matches. Savea added, “We didn’t hit our target, as we wanted win all our games [this autumn], so credit to the French squad.” Fabien Galthie’s team is scheduled to play next on Friday against Argentina, a team that suffered a narrow defeat to Ireland this weekend. Meanwhile, New Zealand will conclude their autumn tour on Saturday against Italy. The French lineup included: Buros; Villiere, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Dupont (capt); Gros, Mauvaka, Tatafu, Flament, Meafou, Boudehent, Roumat, Alldritt. Replacements were: Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, R Taofifenua, Guillard, Ollivon, Le Garrec, Gailleton. For New Zealand, the team comprised: Jordan; Reece, Ioane, J Barrett, Clarke; B Barrett, Roigard; Williams, Taylor, Lomax, S Barrett (capt), Vaa’i, Finau, Savea, Sititi. Replacements included: Aumua, Tu’ungafasi, Tosi, Tuipulotu, Lakai, Ratima, Lienert-Brown, McKenzie. The match was officiated by Referee Nika Amashukeli (Geo).