France couldn’t match the pace or power of New Zealand on Saturday, falling 43-17 in the second Test — their heaviest defeat under Fabien Galthié. Unlike the close battle in Dunedin a week earlier, this time Les Bleus never looked like they believed.
Since the Twickenham meltdown against England in 2019 (44-8), this is the worst defeat France have suffered — and the biggest loss since Galthié took charge in 2020.
New Zealand
France
France opened with a long attacking sequence, similar to what they showed in the first Test. Despite ten changes, the team kept the same intent as in Dunedin, but the move broke down just five metres from the line after several phases.
New Zealand responded by gaining and settling in French territory. Beauden Barrett got the scoreboard moving in the 7th minute with a penalty (3-0).
The All Blacks then caught the French defence cold with a superb lineout play. Just outside the 22, Ardie Savea took advantage of a dummy run to the open side by Christian Lio-Willie and hit Cam Roigard on the blindside. With no cover left on that side, the scrum-half darted easily. The try was converted. (10-0).
But France didn’t fold. They fought their way back into New Zealand’s half and, building momentum, got on the board with a penalty from Nolann Le Garrec after a deliberate knock-on in midfield (10-3).
The All Blacks, though, responded immediately — exactly as Scott Robertson had asked. The head coach wanted a more clinical edge, and his side delivered. Despite Beauden Barrett being shown a yellow card, they opted for a lineout just inside France’s 5-metre line. From there, Ardie Savea crashed over at the back of a powerful maul. The conversion was good (17-3).
France, who had been sharper in the first Test, then suffered a major setback when Joshua Brennan was sent off just before the half-hour mark for a dangerous tackle on Jordie Barrett.
The All Blacks went for the corner again — and once more, it paid off. This time, it was Codie Taylor who powered over from the same spot as Savea (22-3).
France began to crack across the pitch, as the All Blacks varied their play with ease and punished every opportunity with ruthless precision. In the 35th minute, quick ball released Ardie Savea down the left wing. The play came back inside through Holland, who sent Tupou Vaa’i through. The flanker had a clear run to score under the posts. The conversion followed (29-3).
After a one-sided first half, the All Blacks led 29-3 — a fair reflection of the match, with a sharper, more clinical New Zealand side outclassing a French team that lacked the same edge as in Dunedin.
Points Flow Chart
New Zealand win +26
32%
Possession Last 10 min
68%
There was a spark early in the second half, with Léo Barré finishing off a strong attacking sequence (29-10). But the gulf in class was too wide. Even when France spent time in the All Blacks’ 22, it was New Zealand who stayed sharp, adding two more tries through Will Jordan – — his 41st try in 43 Tests – and Rieko Ioane (43-10).
Match Summary 
The physical edge was also clear — none more so than Billy Proctor’s huge carry straight through Théo Attissogbe (60’). Clearly, what had worked so well the week before turned to chaos: messy lineouts, missed tackles, soft collisions, loose kicks. The All Blacks pounced on every mistake. They mixed things up more than in the first Test too, with sharp kicking and more variety.
France pushed back slightly. They held onto the ball longer and kept the pressure in New Zealand’s half. After a long attacking sequence, they were finally rewarded with a second try — Joshua Brennan powering over from close range. Hastoy converted (43-17).
The match ended shortly after, with a knock-on from the All Blacks sealing the 43-17 scoreline.
