New Zealand kicked off the inaugural Nations Championship with a gripping 34-32 win over France in Christchurch as wing Will Jordan’s two tries proved crucial.
Jordan notched the home side’s opening try in the seventh minute while his second effort of the game, in the 71st, gave the All Blacks breathing space at 34-25 and moved him to 47 career tries, just two off Doug Howlett’s New Zealand record of 49.
Scrum-half Cam Roigard also notched a brace for New Zealand and Peter Lakai went over once as the All Blacks, who have not lost at home to France since 2009, gave new head coach Dave Rennie a winning start to his tenure.
The hosts had been stunned when Damian Penaud gave France the lead less than 90 second into the game and Ruben Love was sin-binned for a high tackle in the build-up.
Matthieu Jalibert’s score two minutes from time, and Antoine Hastoy’s subsequent conversion, also made things jittery for New Zealand but they held on to win a breathless fixture.
France’s Matthieu Jalibert scored a late try in Christchurch
Les Bleus were missing star names Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey yet still thoroughly tested All Blacks with Hastoy and Theo Attissogbe also registering a try apiece.
France face Australia next Saturday while New Zealand host Italy on the same day.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea said: “It was tough. The French were quality. When we had the ball in our hands we were dangerous but there’s a lot to work on in our defence.
“The French came out here to play and put us under pressure quite a bit but I’m really proud of my boys. We stuck in there and found a way.”
French skipper Maxime Lucu, who scored two penalties and two conversions, added: “We played the best team in the world and the difference was only little details.
“The score was 34-32, it’s nothing really. It’s disappointing but we worked really hard.”
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