Rugby: the Blues beat New Zealand after twelve years of famine

Published on : 11/20/2021 – 10:49 PM

The French, who had never beaten the New Zealanders at the Stade de France, scored a big blow, Saturday, November 20, by winning a clear victory (40-25) which confirms their return to the fore on the international scene.

From the kickoff, the Blues took the All Blacks by the throat, dressed in white for the occasion. They were able to show themselves quickly effective by scoring a try after 3 minutes, hooker Peato Mauvaka managing to flatten the ball in the New Zealand in-goal after a nice push from the French forwards. The back Melvyn Jaminet then took charge of transforming it to give the Blues a 7-point lead.

Shaken at the start of the game, the All Blacks were able to count on the precision of Jordie Barett who scored two penalties and brought his team to 1 point from the Blues (7-6). But they did not succeed in containing the ardor of the Tricolores led in attack by a very inspired Romain Ntamack, author of a second magnificent French test at the 12^e minute.

The French never relaxed their grip during this first half, depriving the disorganized All Blacks of balloons. Aware of the importance of increasing their advantage against this formidable opponent, they made ambitious game choices and were rewarded with a new try from Mauvaka, transformed by Jaminet (24-6)

Penaud’s saving interception

This capital of points proves to be precious from the start of the second half. The All Blacks show other intentions and put the Blues under pressure, managing to register two tries in less than 5 minutes. France is more hesitant and it only scores three points at the foot to lead 27 to 18 in the 55^e minute.

Despite a new attempt by the All Blacks at the 59^e minute, the French do not seem to doubt their ability to beat these All Blacks returned to only 2 points (27-25). An incredible recovery from Romain Ntamack from the French in-goal gives the public shivers, who then sees Jaminet and Dupont carrying danger in the opposing camp.

The atmosphere goes up a notch at 68^e minute when Damian Penaud intercepts a New Zealand ball to go register the fourth try of the Blues who then give themselves a breath of fresh air by leading 37 to 25.

Beaten on the wire several times this year, the French this time held out and even continued to dominate the All Blacks during the last 10 minutes of the match. Melvyn Jaminet, author of 20 points at the foot, seals the score of the match with a last penalty (40-25)

The French therefore finally beat the All Blacks at the Stade de France, for their eighth meeting. And they already have in mind their reunion in this chamber on September 8, 2023. Conversely, the New Zealanders end their year with a new setback, a week after being beaten by Ireland.