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Peter Lakai on All Blacks' 'soft' defensive moments against France

at One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 04: Peter Lakai of New Zealand scores his team’s second try during the Nations Championship match between New Zealand All Blacks and France at One New Zealand Stadium, on July 04, 2026 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison – Nations Championship/Nations Championship via Getty Images)
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All Blacks and Hurricanes loose-forward Peter Lakai wasn’t completely satisfied with their two-point triumph over France in Christchurch, pinpointing a couple of areas they can improve on.

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Securing a victory over France is no mean feat, though, so Dave Rennie will be pleased with their intent with ball in hand, and the ability to get over the line late in the game.

Lakai, who was replaced by Wallace Sititi during the second half, told media in Christchurch that their first win was progress.

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Yeah, obviously you know few things to work on, but you know we’re happy to start our campaign off over here,” Lakai said.

“Obviously a few things to polish off, and yeah, we’re looking forward to, next week, now.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the versatile loose-forward knows they struggled to limit France’s dangerous attack.

“To an extent, we scored some brilliant tries, but we also let him a few soft ones as well.”

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“So, just like I said, it’s just polishing, we’ve been together for a week, so I guess it’s just building combinations, and we’ll take our learnings from this week and hopefully apply them next week.”

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“We expected them [France] to play quick, especially around the ruck. The nines jumping out, and they obviously came down the middle, and they scored a few soft tries.

“But we’ll review that come Monday, and hopefully be better.”

The 23-year-old explained that the victory wasn’t a relief, as they achieved their main goal.

“No, I wouldn’t say it’s relief. It’s our first test of the year, we’re obviously going to be a little bit rusty, but you know to come away with the win was the main goal.”

Fabien Galthié’s side didn’t shy away from the contest and opened the scoring less than five minutes into the contest through Damian Penaud.

The All Blacks then hit back through Will Jordan, as the home side started to manoeuvre their way back into the game after going down to 14 as Ruben Love was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

Rennie’s men adjusted to the yellow card and managed the next ten minutes efficiently, trailing by only two points when Love returned.

Back-to-back tries from Hurricanes halfback Cameron Roigard on either side of the break saw the All Blacks storm into the lead, before France proved tough to put away at Te Kaha.

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A late Matthieu Jalibert five-pointer close to the posts provided the All Blacks with nervous moments as the final whistle approached, but one-off carries were enough as referee Luke Pearce called time.

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1 Comment
G
GT 21 mins ago

On the Allblack game very disappointing effort due to the selection of the players in the starting 15.The locks lacked cohesion and very unfit In the Loose Peter Lakai and Jacobson played well Lakai super fitness was a standout Cam Roriguard Ruben Love Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan played with intent and fitness was well above the rest of the backline.Caleb Clarke disappointing as usual played out of position let 2 tries in out of form Damien McKenzie played the way he usually plays no direction no idea what he was doing As for the centre played out of position out of form very unfit the number 8 like the rest of those guys I mentioned very unfit stayed away from all the action did not lead from example the front row Excellent in there first hit out took the ball up with purpose Codie Taylor Degroot and Newell lead the pack with lakai and Jacobson . The allblack selectors saud they picked on form well anyone looking at the game could see the ones were in form played well the rest very disappointing Rennie first hit out very disappointed in what he said after the match excuses like the captain had a disappointing game definitely not a leader or a captain the reserves thatcame on played exceptionally Considerations the time they were given they should have subbed the captain Caleb Clarke and the locks the number 13 with 30 minutes to go I think the score would have favoured the allblacks more favourable then the way it ended .last words very disappointed

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G
GT 21 minutes ago
Peter Lakai on All Blacks' 'soft' defensive moments against France

On the Allblack game very disappointing effort due to the selection of the players in the starting 15.The locks lacked cohesion and very unfit In the Loose Peter Lakai and Jacobson played well Lakai super fitness was a standout Cam Roriguard Ruben Love Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan played with intent and fitness was well above the rest of the backline.Caleb Clarke disappointing as usual played out of position let 2 tries in out of form Damien McKenzie played the way he usually plays no direction no idea what he was doing As for the centre played out of position out of form very unfit the number 8 like the rest of those guys I mentioned very unfit stayed away from all the action did not lead from example the front row Excellent in there first hit out took the ball up with purpose Codie Taylor Degroot and Newell lead the pack with lakai and Jacobson . The allblack selectors saud they picked on form well anyone looking at the game could see the ones were in form played well the rest very disappointing Rennie first hit out very disappointed in what he said after the match excuses like the captain had a disappointing game definitely not a leader or a captain the reserves thatcame on played exceptionally Considerations the time they were given they should have subbed the captain Caleb Clarke and the locks the number 13 with 30 minutes to go I think the score would have favoured the allblacks more favourable then the way it ended .last words very disappointed

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