France claimed a dramatic 30-29 win over New Zealand at the Stade de France on Saturday, November 16, marking their third consecutive victory over the All Blacks a feat achieved only twice before, in 1994 and 1995.
Trailing at halftime, Les Bleus delivered a thrilling second-half comeback, powered by Thomas Ramos’ 15 points from the boot and tries from Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey. The win underscored France’s growing dominance against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
All Blacks vs France
New Zealand opened the scoring early, capitalizing on a misfiring French lineout. Peter Lakai, a second-minute replacement, crashed over for his maiden Test try, with Beauden Barrett adding the extras for a 7-3 lead after Thomas Ramos’ initial penalty.
Cam Roigard extended the All Blacks’ lead on the half-hour mark, intercepting an Antoine Dupont pass to score on his 24th birthday. Barrett’s conversion and penalty saw New Zealand take a 17-10 advantage into the break, despite Buros crossing for a debut try late in the first half to keep France within touching distance.
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The second half saw a resurgent France. Flanker Paul Boudehent levelled the scores at 17-17 with a try off a rolling maul, Ramos’ conversion restoring parity. Moments later, winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey finished off a Ramos grubber kick, pushing the hosts into the lead for the first time.
New Zealand responded through Damian McKenzie’s precise kicking, bringing the visitors to within one point at 27-26 with 13 minutes left. The tense encounter saw Ramos and McKenzie exchanged penalties in the dying minutes, setting up a nail-biting finale.
France vs All Blacks/ photo by France Rugby
Despite relentless All Blacks pressure, France’s defence held firm, denying the visitors a late score. When referee Nika Amashukeli blew the full-time whistle, the home crowd erupted in celebration, their team securing a famous win.
Head coach Fabien Galthié’s gamble to reinforce the forwards proved decisive, while the recalled Gaël Fickou added stability to the backline. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Scott Robertson welcomed back Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, but their efforts were not enough to prevent a heartbreaking loss.
