The Top 5 Matches in the Historic Rivalry Between New Zealand and France

Prior to Saturday’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin showdown, the pair have met 64 times. The first fixture dates back to 1906 and Ruck Rugby takes a look back at the five most enthralling matches between two of the biggest rugby nations.

What a way to start this iconic list and it’s no better way to do so than revisiting the 2011 World Cup final in Auckland.

France came into the encounter full of confidence having dispatched both England and Wales in the quarters and semi-finals. But it was the All Blacks who were favourites as they were unbeaten throughout the competition. The All Blacks were winning 9-0 at halftime, but that slender lead reflected how closely fought it was. Both sides crossed the whitewash once with Thierry Dusautoir and Tony Woodcock respectively scoring their sides tries.

The difference was a 46th minute penalty kick by Stephen Donald who slotted the three points which proved to be enough as New Zealand claimed World Cup honours yet again. This result was the lowest score of any World Cup final, and it was the first time that a single nation held both the men’s World Cup, and the women’s World Cup simultaneously.

Some call this encounter one of the greatest games in World Cup history. The All Blacks were favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy that year, and Les Bleus were not given a chance in the lead up to the match.

France found themselves 24-10 behind at one stage in the match but in some unimaginable way, they scored 33 points to a poor seven from the All Blacks for a sensational victory.

The star man that day at Twickenham for France, was Christophe Lamaison who wasn’t even meant to be playing. Following the withdrawal of the injured Thomas Castaignede, Lamaison took his opportunity and shone.

He scored a try, converted four conversions and slotted three penalties and two drop goals, as France won outstandingly 43-31.

It seems to be an occurring factor here that the All Blacks were yet again favourites for World Cup glory, but like 1999 France put an end to that. They made their intentions really clear by staring down the New Zealand haka before kick-off.

It was all New Zealand in the opening 40 minutes but they only had a single try to show for their efforts. Luke McAlister scored but early in the second half he found himself in the sin bin.

Lee Bleus skippered Raphaël Ibañez, took full advantage of this as Thierry Dusautoir scored, which levelled the game. Rodney So’oialo did score for the All Blacks to regain the lead before Yannick Jauzion scored France’s match-winning try in the Welsh capital.

Same city, same stadium, different result. Revenge for the All Blacks, and they did so emphatically. Now defending World champions, New Zealand almost had it all sealed with a second 40 minutes to spare.

A brace by Julian Savea was accompanied by Brodie Retallick and Nehe Milner-Skudder scoring once, saw the All Blacks almost out of sight at the interval.

In the second-half Savea secured his hat-trick whilst Tawera Kerr-Barlow claimed a brace and both Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read also crossed the Millennium Stadium whitewash. At the time of the match, it was the most impressive performance of the 2015 World Cup so far.

This win in Auckland was simply huge for the touring side over three decades ago, as it secured France the series victory. This came after clinching victory a week earlier in Christchurch 22-8.

However, something worth noting France lost their opening match of the tour against Canada 18-16 but that didn’t stall them as they became the first Northern Hemisphere nation to win a test match series in New Zealand.

The All Blacks were minutes away from drawing the series as they led 20-16 with three minutes left on the clock. After some brilliant buildup play which showed Les Bleus at their attacking best it saw fullback Jean-Luc Sadourny score the winner.