All Blacks v France I

[ACT Crusader]

Now find touch aye

[Nepia]

@NTA said in All Blacks v France I:

@Darth-Sader said in All Blacks v France I:

You have to admire the French being right in this. They looked like they were out for the count several times there. How the hell is this so close??

Uncontroversial opinion: playing AU and NZ sort sides is no preparation for the physicality of French Rugby

I know the point you're making, but some of the most physical rugby I've seen was during the NZ only Super during Covid.

Clearly having Aussie teams softens us a bit.

[steelpotato]

Vaai invisible since moving to lock

[JayCee]

@NTA yep that passage of play before the knock on. They looked menacing, breaking the advantage line much easier than us.

[Chris]

Norris has looked good with ball in hand.
Finau made no impact passive in the tackle and carry.

[Tim]

Where are those Kirifi turnovers?

[Nepia]

@Dodge said in All Blacks v France I:

France could have had a couple of penalties through those phases, as they could have done quite often when they’ve actually had the ball tonight. AB tacklers off feet on the French side not getting out the way of the 9. Hasn’t been picked up tonight, will be by a NH ref

And conversely the France players going off their feet 5m from their line should get picked up too.

[Darth Sader]

Go the clock!

[sparky]

@Tim Test Rugby different from Super Rugby. I like him to bits, but I'm not convinced he's a Test match animal.

[Donsteppa]

A bloody good game in the end. AB's finish on the right side of it, and the French happily not as bad as the TAB odds.

[steelpotato]

@Tim couldn't believe he got picked when he got bullied by the brumbies big loose forward trio

[sparky]

Phew!

[ACT Crusader]

2025

ABs 1-0

[nostrildamus]

they were better coached.

[Yeetyaah]

Geez squeaky bum time. James Doleman man of the match for France for sure.

[antipodean]

Nice to win a tight Test. Lots to work on - especially ruck support and players running their support out of space.

[Tim]

@steelpotato Exactly he got smashed by them. SA will eat him alive.

[nostrildamus]

France have amazing depth and organization.

[sparky]

ABs got the win and thank the McGod for that.

France made that so tough though. Huge credit to them.

[taniwharugby]

Well done France, put a few commentators in thier box about disrespect.

An ugly win win is still a win, some very promising stuff, but equally some concerning stuff too