The French XV showed immense character to snatch a third consecutive victory against New Zealand on Saturday at the Stade de France (30-29), equaling the best series in their history dating from 1994-1995.
Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent and Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored the Blues' tries, also carried by Thomas Ramos having surgery on his foot, in a match which has the ingredients to be as foundational as the victory of 2021 (40-25).
Because after the demonstration against Japan 52-12, this much more significant victory allows us to erase some of the doubts born from the performances after the World Cup, during the Six Nations Tournament. And offers some certainties with a view to 2027.
The Blues had heart because the All Blacks, undoubtedly upset by their two previous defeats, including the only one in the World Cup group stage in their history (27-13 in 2023), wanted to mark the Blues by imposing a huge fight.
??France 3 – 14 New Zealand??#FRANZL
Roigard's test, transformed by Barrett! The All Blacks widen the advantage.
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In one of the first actions alone, two players, New Zealander Samipeni Finau and Frenchman Tevita Tatafu, were affected and both were replaced shortly after. Result: after 27 minutes, the All Blacks were largely leading 14-3, notably after a humiliating melee where the Blues were copiously heckled to such an extent that Grégory Alldritt's disaster pass for Antoine Dupont was intercepted by Cam Roigard, who was went to flatten alone.
Shortly before, it was Ardie Savea who had made the entire French defense dance, including winger Gabin Villière, particularly in difficulty for his first match in a year with the XV of France, before letting Peter Lakai flatten.
Imperial Ramos at the foot
But the Blues have certainties and nuggets. One of them is Louis Bielle-Biarrey, imperious on the wing. Already author of a double against Japan, he once again graced the Stade de France with his special: a low ball, this time initiated by Thomas Ramos, and the LBB “moped” appears to beat everyone in the race to put the Blues in front (24-17, 51st).
Other young Blues scored points literally and figuratively, such as Paul Boudehent, author of a try after also a double against Japan or Romain Buros, who was at the conclusion of a strong action by the Blues in the first half to get back into the score.
??France 24 – 17 New Zealand??#FRANZL
The SPEED of Louis Bielle-Biarrey for the test ??️
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The Bordelais fullback, who celebrated his first selection with the Blues, was up to the task even if he was less in demand than expected, because the New Zealanders this time avoided the candles which they had been accustomed to for two matches.
Louis Bielle-Barrey's try shortly after the break and which gave the Blues the biggest gap in the game, marked a new match: the teams, looking for the try before, then turned more towards the penalties in a breathtaking match.
The New Zealanders got closer to a point ten minutes from the end (27-26) and even six minutes (30-29), but the Blues kept their calm, like Thomas Ramos, author of 'a 100% against the poles (15 points).
??France 30 – 29 New Zealand??#FRANZL
It's FINISHED!
The XV of France WON in this completely crazy match with 1 point difference! ?
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And at the end of the breathtaking final minutes, it was a ball trapped by the Blues which delivered the Stade de France to a sold-out crowd. 100 years after the tour of the invincibles, the All Blacks, victorious in England and Ireland previously, will not achieve the small European Slam. They still have to face Italy. The Blues will host Argentina on Friday to extend this beautiful autumn.
A match to relive here:
