Wellington, July 6, 2024 — A dominant first-half performance propelled the All Blacks to a commanding 43-17 victory over France, securing their 50th win against Les Bleus and ensuring the Dave Gallaher Trophy remains in New Zealand. The All Blacks’ clinical execution and strategic playmaking proved too much for the French side in Saturday’s Lipovitan-D Test.
All Blacks Dominate France in Wellington
New Zealand’s impressive display of speed and precision secured a decisive victory and trophy retention.
- The All Blacks secured their 50th victory against France.
- Ardie Savea became the highest-scoring All Blacks forward with 29 tries.
- New Zealand established a commanding 29-3 lead by halftime.
- France struggled to contain the All Blacks’ lineout and attacking prowess.
The All Blacks’ intent was clear from the outset, building a substantial 29-3 lead by halftime, though the second half presented a more competitive contest. The home side’s early dominance set the tone for the match, capitalizing on French errors and showcasing their own attacking flair.
Outstanding forward play, spearheaded by locks Patrick Tuipulotu and Fabian Holland, laid the foundation for the All Blacks’ success. Skipper Ardie Savea led from the front, achieving a milestone by becoming the highest-scoring All Blacks forward with 29 tries, surpassing the record previously held by Richie McCaw.
Tupou Vaa’i continued to impress in the blindside role, adding another try to his tally, while hooker Codie Taylor delivered a consistent and impactful performance. The All Blacks’ pack consistently disrupted the French set-piece and provided a solid platform for their backs.
France began brightly, launching a sustained 15-phase attack early in the game, but a crucial knock-on allowed the All Blacks to regain possession and launch their own offensive. Early lineout steals by Tuipulotu proved pivotal in disrupting French momentum.
Beauden Barrett opened the scoring with a penalty goal, and the All Blacks soon extended their lead through a well-executed lineout move. A dummy run by No. 8 Christian Lio Willie created space for flanker Ardie Savea to offload to halfback Cameron Roigard, who raced 22 meters to score in the 13th minute.
France responded with a penalty goal, but the All Blacks quickly countered with another lineout attack. Savea, acting as a dummy halfback, powered his way over the line to further extend the All Blacks’ advantage.
The first half saw both sides receive a yellow card. Beauden Barrett was sin-binned in the 18th minute for a deliberate knockdown, while Josh Brennan of France was sent to the bin after a tip tackle on Jordie Barrett following the Savea try.
The All Blacks capitalized on their numerical advantage, driving a regulation lineout for hooker Codie Taylor to score. They continued to build momentum, with Ardie Savea breaking through the French defense in the 35th minute, feeding wing Rieko Ioane, who then passed to lock Fabian Holland, who linked with flanker Tupou Vaa’i for another try.
A potential French scoring opportunity was thwarted by a TMO review, which revealed a tip tackle on Jordie Barrett, resulting in a penalty for the All Blacks.
Leading 29-3 at halftime, the All Blacks faced a more determined French side in the second half, who made five substitutions in the opening minutes. However, the All Blacks soon regained control, exploiting French indiscipline to gain territory.
France finally breached the All Blacks’ defense in the 45th minute, with fullback Leo Barre crossing the line after a well-timed incursion into the backline. Jordie Barrett had earlier prevented another French try with a crucial defensive effort.
The All Blacks quickly responded, with fullback Will Jordan scoring in the 53rd minute, followed by Rieko Ioane in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on French penalties.
With three minutes remaining, Josh Brennan scored a try from a goalline maul, after sustained pressure from France.
New Zealand 43 (Cameron Roigard, Ardie Savea, Codie Taylor, Tupou Vaa’i, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane tries; Beauden Barrett 4 con, pen; Jordie Barrett con) France 17 (Leo Barre, Josh Brennan tries; Nolann Le Garrec con, pen; Antoine Hastoy con). HT: 29-3.
New Zealand: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Damian McKenzie.
France: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 11 Emilien Gailleton, 10 Joris Segonds, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Esteban Abadie, 7 Jacobus Van Tonder, 6 Pierre Bochaton, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Joshua Brennan, 3 Georges-Henri Colombe, 2 Gaetan Barlot (captain), 1 Baptiste Erdocio.
Replacements: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Antoine Hastoy.
Referee: Christophe Ridley (France)
Assistant referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
