The All Blacks secured their 500th Test victory with a 31–27 win over a defiant French side in Dunedin.
The match featured three disallowed New Zealand tries, several TMO interventions, and a relentless French defence that made 224 tackles.
Despite early disruptions, including the loss of Sevu Reece to an HIA, the All Blacks found momentum through standout performances by Fabian Holland, Damian McKenzie, and Will Jordan, who scored twice.
France impressed with gutsy counterattacks and key plays from fullback Theo Attissogbe and captain Gael Fickou, highlighting their unpredictability and resilience. The tightly contested encounter broke New Zealand’s three-match losing streak to France and emphasized their need for sharper execution under pressure.
