A few days before we meet the All Blacks at the Stade de France, let's dive back into a memory engraved in the memories of French rugby. On November 20, 2021, the XV of France achieved a feat by winning 40-25 against New Zealand. This match, the last of the autumn tour, marked a turning point for the Blues who had not beaten the New Zealanders for twelve years.
A historic score and records
From the first minutes, the Blues showed incredible intensity, quickly taking the advantage against a New Zealand team overwhelmed by the physical intensity of the locals. Two tries were quickly scored before the quarter of an hour. A third followed at the half-hour mark.
So much so that Fabien Galthié's men led 24 to 6. Of course, the Blacks reacted and came back to six lengths then just two points. But France could not lose that day.
With a total of 40 points scored, France inflicted a historic gap of 15 points on the All Blacks. The New Zealanders have never conceded so many points against the French. This feat made the Stade de France vibrate and delighted the supporters, witnessing a performance worthy of the greatest hours of French rugby.
Brilliant individual performances
During this memorable meeting, several French players stood out brilliantly. Romain Ntamack, imperious, orchestrated the game with impressive ease and audacity, signing spectacular restarts and scoring a decisive try.
Peato Mauvaka, for his part, achieved a double, confirming his rise in power within the French pack. Performances that will have marked the spirits and laid the foundations of a conquering team.
The French defense, orchestrated by a third line on fire and Antoine Dupont as impactful as ever, left little space for New Zealand attacks. Despite their reputation and two tries before the hour mark, the All Blacks found themselves stuck, unable to respond to the French offensives. This defensive lock was one of the key factors in this victory.
With each New Zealand return attempt, the Blues were able to react and maintain their lead. At the end of the match, fervor rose in the stands as the French solidified their victory. A triumph which brought a wave of pride and confidence to the team, now capable of competing with the best in the world.
A legendary match that changed French rugby
This victory is all the more precious that it allowed the French team to break three historic records against the All Blacks, illustrating the rise of French rugby. More than just a success, this meeting restored the French XV to its place among the greatest international teams.
This Saturday, the XV of France will meet the All Blacks in a very different context but with the intact memory of this legendary victory. Will they repeat this feat? Answer soon at the Stade de France.
