France edge All Blacks 30-29 in Paris thriller
France have shaken off a sloppy start to pip New Zealand 30-29 in a gripping autumn rugby Test in Paris.
The French matched their best winning streak against the All Blacks from 1994-95 with a third straight victory in a breathless game that lived up to the hype.
The 27 turnovers in Saturday night’s clash at Stade de France were testament to the ferocious defence on both sides.
New Zealand shot out to 14-3 and 17-10 by halftime.
But France flipped the momentum in the second half with converted tries by flanker Paul Boudehent and wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey, which was the turning point. They sent France ahead 24-17.
France’s Thomas Ramos and New Zealand replacement Damian McKenzie then traded penalties to the end with the All Blacks always chasing, and within one point with five minutes to go.
Both teams were faultless off the tee to add to the tension.
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