France Rugby - Test against All Blacks 19 Nov 2006

The All Blacks faced a much more inspired French Rugby side than last week in Lyon. The French tested the All Blacks defence with attack after attack, particularly in the second half of the game. The French were celebrating 100 years of French Rugby and former captain Michel Crauste kicked off.

Dan Carter kicked a wide penalty for the first points of the game. France scored the first try, and their only try, of the game from an All Black mistake under a high ball. Cedric Heymans scored the try which was not converted. After a mauling drive from a lineout 22m from the French line a penalty was awarded to the All Blacks. Dan Carter kicked the penalty and New Zealand were back in the lead. The next points were a try from Joe Rokocoko. Leon MacDonald made a break close to a ruck, play was moved up the field by the All Blacks until Rokocoko was tackled. He wasn't held in the tackle and got up to score. The try was converted by Dan Carter. Another penalty kick by Dan Carter brought the half-time score to 16-5 to the All Blacks.

Early in the second half the All Blacks won a turnover from a French lineout close to the French line. Carter gave a reverse pass to Nonu who beat a tackle and scored between the posts. Dan Carter converted and took the score to 23-5.

Frances' Dimitri Yachvill kicked a penalty 15 minutes into the second half. The final points of the game were from another penalty kick by Dimitri Yachvill to bring the final score to 23 -11.

New Zealand 23 (Joe Rokocoko, Ma'a Nonu tries; Carter 2 con, 3 pen) France 11 (Cedric Heymans try; Dimitri Yachvill 2 pen)