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An unfortunate incident in the 12th minute of the match has marred the contest between the All Blacks and France in Wellington.
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After a strong opening ten minutes from the French, where they applied significant pressure, had a Geoffrey Doumayrou try disallowed and had the All Blacks back-pedalling, fullback Benjamin Fall was ordered to leave the field and his side were left with just 14 men for the remaining 68 minutes.
Fall’s night ended early when he was shown a red card after taking All Blacks first-five eighth Beauden Barrett out in the air and subsequently out of the game. Referee Angus Gardner ruled Fall was not in a realistic position to make a play on the ball.
Fall headed to the bench and Barrett went for an HIA after landing awkwardly, where he was ruled out for the rest of the contest – as were his French opponents.
After conceding two quick tries to All Blacks prop Joe Moody and wing Ben Smith it looked as though the French were going to fold in spectacular fashion.
However, Jacques Brunel’s men were resilient in Fall’s absence for the remainder of the first spell, and were unfortunate to concede once more just seconds out from the break after a Rieko Ioane break down the left wing. Ioane found centre Anton Lienert-Brown on his inside who flipped the ball on to Jordie Barrett to score under the posts and drive a dagger into the French hearts on the stroke of halftime.
The second 40 lacked inspiration from the home side as the All Blacks attempted to once again separated themselves entering the final quarter of play. That separation never eventuated as the All Blacks were held to just five second-half points.
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Their attack looked stale and lacked the regular cohesion fans have come accustomed to over the years. Passes weren’t going to hand and the ball wasn’t taken care of. On the defensive side of the ball, the All Blacks looked like they still hadn’t quite shaken the rust. Plenty of first-up tackles were missed and penalties were conceded.
Credit: All Blacks
Jordie Barrett grabbed his second try around the 60-minute mark after a Damian McKenzie break from a lineout near halfway. McKenzie found replacement halfback TJ Perenara who was dragged down five metres out, and the All Blacks simply shifted the ball through the hands for the 21-year-old Barrett to crash over.
The sides played with 14 men each for ten minutes after TJ Perenara was issued a yellow card when he was caught offside in a tackle late in the second half. France were almost shorthanded once again after flyhalf Anthony Belleau upended All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock above horizontal just minutes later.
French reserve hooker and debutante Pierre Bourgarit had a late try rubbed out after he was ruled to have made a double movement – his side’s second denied try of the night.
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Plenty of credit must go to the gutsy French who showed incredible resilience after losing a man in the early stages. The back-row stood out as loose forward trio Kelian Galletier, Kevin Gourdon and Mathieu Ballibot combined to make 26 tackles, missing just one each and winning two turnovers.
France held the majority of the possession at 58% – a stark contrast to their 35% last weekend – but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard. Replacement prop Cedate Gomes Sa scored the try of the night, finishing a 50-metre move after the final hooter following some slick offloading from Baptiste Serin and Alexandre Lapandry.
With victory now secured by the All Blacks, the series will conclude next weekend at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
ALL BLACKS 26 (J. Barrett 2, B. Smith, Moody tries; McKenzie 3 cons) FRANCE 13 (Gomes Sa try; Plisson con, Parra 2 pens) HT 21-6
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments