Hooker Peato Mauvaka continued his remarkable scoring form with two more tries as France handed New Zealand a stinging 40-25 defeat this morning to deepen the wounds after the All Blacks lost in Ireland last weekend.
It was the last match of the year for both, and with 20 minutes left at Stade de France they had three tries each, and there were only two points in it.
Then came a moment of genius from five-eighth Romain Ntamack, who saved a try when he caught a bouncing ball behind his own line and launched a stunning field length counterattack which ended with France earning a penalty just as momentum was turning against them.
Re-live the France vs New Zealand rugby clash on Stan Sport – the home of the All Blacks, Wallabies and Springboks spring tours. Start your seven day free trial here!
“It was just as the All Blacks were getting back in the game and came during a moment of pressure for us,” France coach Fabien Galthie said.
“We had this game in mind as a moment of truth and everyone turned up for us tonight.
“The team lived up to what we promised ourselves and it was a great moment of harmony with our fans.”
READ MORE: Wallabies coach blasts ‘horrendous’ officials after loss
READ MORE: England get World Cup revenge against Springboks
READ MORE: Aussie ref at the centre of international firestorm
Three more points from fullback Melvyn Jaminet’s faultless boot made it 30-25 and gave France a little breathing space, especially with New Zealand No.8 Ardie Savea sinbinned.
Ntamack went off to a huge ovation and moments later an interception by burly winger Damian Penaud gave France a free try for a 12 point lead with a little more than 10 minutes left.
The French were more inspired on the night, and a stellar performance included a fine try from Ntamack after coach Fabien Galthie reverted him from centre back to five-eighth – where he made his name at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
https://twitter.com/StanSportAU/status/1462172130460585984?s=20
France faces New Zealand in Stade de France again in the opening game of the 2023 World Cup, and won’t have to worry about its Paris bogey.
France won in Paris for the first time since 1973, and for the first time at home since 2000.
Beating the All Blacks marked the biggest statement yet by a rapidly improving side Galthie has developed out of the junior world champion sides from 2018 and 2019.
The All Blacks were down 24-6 at the interval but almost turned it around with three straight second half tries from fullback Jordie Barrett, prolific centre Rieko Ioane, and Savea.
Then Ntamack’s flash of inspiration caught the masters of it, the All Blacks, by surprise.
Jaminet’s last second penalty ensured his perfect night ended without a miss and the French celebrated a huge win.
Nine of France’s starting side were facing the All Blacks for the first time.
“We won in style, and it feels incredible,” scrumhalf Antoine Dupont said.
“We will remember this win for sure.”
France 40 (Peato Mauvaka 2, Romain Ntamack, Damian Penaud tries; Melvyn Jaminet 4 conversions, 4 penalties) New Zealand 25 (Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea tries; Barrett 2 conversions, 2 penalties). HT: 24-6