New Zealand begin the inaugural Nations Championship with a 34-32 win over France in a tightly contested match in Christchurch. The result comes in Dave Rennie’s first Test as All Blacks head coach, with multiple outlets describing a game shaped by momentum swings and late pressure from France.
France are reported to be missing several players from top clubs, but they still challenge New Zealand throughout and keep the match in the balance until the final minutes. The All Blacks are said to have shown moments of “brutality and optimism,” while also committing errors in execution and discipline that allowed France to stay close.
Scoring is highlighted as a key feature of the thriller, with reports noting Cam Roigard and Will Jordan each score two tries for New Zealand. Overall, the sources agree that despite a narrow margin, New Zealand manage to hold on to secure the win to open Rennie’s tenure and start the tournament on a winning note.
