All Blacks Secure Series Victory With Convincing Win Over France In Wellington

In a commanding display at Sky Stadium, the New Zealand All Blacks secured their second consecutive victory over France, winning 43-17 to clinch the series with one match remaining. The result marks a significant achievement for the hosts, who earlier in the tour had narrowly edged the French in Dunedin.

The match, held in Wellington, saw the All Blacks take control early and never relinquish their lead. Led by coach Scott Robertson, the team executed their game plan effectively, capitalising on attacking opportunities and executing set pieces with precision. This performance contrasted sharply with their previous encounter, where they struggled to put away France in a 31-27 victory.

Fast Start And Ruthless Execution

New Zealand's dominance was evident from the outset. Fly-half Beauden Barrett opened the scoring with an early penalty, setting the tone for the game. The hosts then demonstrated their attacking prowess through a series of line-out-based tries. In the 14th minute, scrum-half Cam Roigard broke from the blind side after a quick line-out to touch down, providing the All Blacks an early boost.

The hosts continued to press despite setbacks. Barrett was temporarily off the field after a deliberate knock-on, but this didn’t halt their momentum. With the French pack short-handed due to an early sin-binning of debutant lock Josh Brennan, New Zealand took advantage. Savea capitalised on a line-out ball to score his 29th Test try, surpassing Richie McCaw as the top try-scorer among New Zealand forwards. This try highlighted the All Blacks' ability to adapt and maintain pressure even during player shortages.

Sustained Pressure And Second-Half Surge

Hooker Codie Taylor extended New Zealand’s lead with a try on 29 minutes, driving over from a rolling maul. The try came after France’s efforts were hampered by another sin-binning, this time for Brennan, who was penalised for a tip tackle. The second half saw the hosts intensify their attack, with offloads from Savea, Rieko Ioane, and Fabian Holland creating space for flanker Tupou Vaa'i to score a spectacular try that exemplified New Zealand's fluidity and physicality.

While France struggled to contain the All Blacks in the first half, they managed to find some offensive rhythm after halftime. Full-back Leo Barre exploited an error by New Zealand to score a try 47 minutes into the match. The tourists responded swiftly, with Will Jordan dotting down for his 41st try in his 43rd Test appearance, showcasing his consistent scoring ability.

Final Flourish And Series Sealed

The All Blacks’ scoring spree continued as Ioane scored in the corner on 62 minutes, capping a sequence of continuous attack. Despite the comfortable lead, France added a late consolation try through Brennan, which came in the final moments of the game.

The match’s conclusion saw the All Blacks securing a bonus-point victory and effectively sealing the series with one game to spare. Their commanding win also signifies an important turnaround, especially considering the recent streak of underwhelming performances at Sky Stadium in Wellington. This victory not only asserts their dominance against France but also highlights the team's improved cohesion and execution.

Looking To The Final Test

Looking ahead, the third and final Test of the series will be played at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on July 19. The All Blacks will aim to complete the series sweep and maintain their winning momentum heading into future fixtures. Moreover, their recent results—particularly the win in Wellington—offer reassurance that the team has moved past a series of less successful outings and is now building toward more consistent international performances.

The series win underscores the All Blacks’ resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. Their comprehensive victory against France on Saturday exemplified their strategic growth and physical readiness, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the international season. As they prepare for the concluding match, the team will look to uphold their high standards and continue building on their recent success.

Bet On International Rugby Tests At SuperSportBet

Back the All Blacks or your favourite rugby nations during every Test series at SuperSportBet. Make your predictions count and turn rugby passion into winning action!