France's heart-pounding 30-29 triumph over New Zealand at Stade de France showcased their resilience and skill, halting the All Blacks' five-match winning streak and solidifying their status in international rugby.
In a thrilling match that highlighted the pinnacle of international rugby, France secured an exciting 30-29 victory over New Zealand at the Stade de France, bringing the All Blacks' five-game winning streak to an end. This dynamic showdown was a reflection of both teams' determination, strategic prowess, and the kind of drama that only a high-pressure Test match can provide.
Fabien Galthié's squad, energized by the thunderous backing of their home fans, showcased a combination of skill and flair. Crucial tries from Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent, and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, along with 15 perfect points from Thomas Ramos' kicking, secured a victory that will be remembered in the annals of French rugby history.
Having recently achieved victories over Australia, Japan, England, and Ireland, New Zealand arrived at the Stade de France filled with momentum and determination, aiming for redemption after their World Cup-opening defeat to Les Bleus the previous year. However, despite scoring tries through Peter Lakai and Cam Roigard, along with a steady kicking performance from Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie, the All Blacks narrowly missed out, prolonging their winless streak against France to three matches.
“I am incredibly proud of the team,” lock Paul Boudehent stated after the match. “We recognized our potential to change the outcome in this game, and the whole squad, including the less experienced players, really embraced that confidence.” His remarks encapsulated the spirit of a team that has grown to trust in their capability to outsmart even the strongest rivals in the sport.
The match was anything but easy. France, known for their unpredictable style, faced some challenges early on. The All Blacks seized on mistakes to establish a strong 14-3 lead, with Savea's powerful run paving the way for Lakai's try, and Roigard taking advantage of a risky pass from Gregory Alldritt. However, as pressure increased, France remained composed and adjusted their strategy.
“The start was challenging,” Galthié acknowledged. “But by the time we reached half-time, we had readjusted, discovering solutions at the breakdown and enhancing our defensive strategies.” The transformation was evident. France overcame their early uncertainties, emerging as the focused and efficient team that propelled them into World Cup contention in 2023.
The contributions of Thomas Ramos were vital in establishing the initial momentum and ultimately securing the lead for France. He kicked a long-range penalty to start the scoring, but it was the overall change in France's tactical strategy that truly shaped the outcome of the match. After halftime, a powerful maul led to Boudehent scoring a try, which brought the game to a tie. Soon after, a brilliant defensive play transitioned into an offensive highlight when Bielle-Biarrey seized on Ramos' expertly placed kick to register a crucial try.
As McKenzie and Ramos traded kicks in the closing moments of the match, narrowing the score, France kept their composure. Antoine Dupont, facing constant pressure from the All Blacks' defense, adapted his play to guide the team with focused calmness.
"Moments like these where we secure a win really help boost our confidence," Dupont commented. "New Zealand gave it their all, but we held firm when it was crucial. There's truly nothing quite like those closing moments when you trust your teammate will not let you down."
This victory had significance that extended beyond the 80 minutes played. It represented France’s third straight home win against New Zealand, a feat that would have seemed unlikely during the dark period of a 14-match losing streak from 2000 to 2018. “Even when facing a team as strong as the All Blacks, there are weaknesses that can be found,” Galthié reflected. “We have learned to take advantage of those opportunities effectively.”
For the All Blacks, the match highlighted their relentless competitive nature while also revealing the weaknesses that can emerge in close contests. Barrett and McKenzie ensured they remained within reach, but the decisive effort fell short. They are set to wrap up their European tour against Italy, aiming to finish on a positive note.
France, filled with confidence, is now looking forward to their upcoming match against Argentina, keen to continue their winning streak and establish themselves as the top team in the northern hemisphere. If Saturday’s match demonstrated anything, it is that Galthié’s players possess not only skill and flair but also the mental resilience necessary for achieving greatness.
