Advertisement League of Ireland Horse Racing TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture Rugby Weekly Extra Dive into all the news and analysis 3 times a week The Football Family Weekly insights from the week’s big talking points Advertisement More Stories Jordie Barrett of New Zealand and Theo Attissogbe compete for a high ball.Alamy Stock Photo Freeblack and blue All Blacks survive major scare against France side containing eight debutants New Zealand held off the inexperienced French to win by four points and take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. 10.37am, 5 Jul 2025 Share options NEW ZEALAND STRUGGLED past an under-strength France 31-27 in Dunedin on Saturday to record a 500th Test win for the All Blacks in unconvincing fashion. Will Jordan scored two tries to secure a tense victory as the All Blacks held off an energetic France side fielding eight debutants to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series. New Zealand wing Sevu Reece lasted less than a minute as poor technique in a tackle saw him dazed and helped from the field with a head injury. It forced an immediate reshuffle, with Jordan moving from fullback to the right wing, and Damian McKenzie coming off the bench. It clearly rattled the All Blacks. The young French side took the lead from a penalty goal in the seventh minute and extended it to 10 points soon after when No.8 Mickael Guillard crossed next to the posts. New Zealand centre Jordie Barrett thought he had scored moments earlier, after Cam Roigard split the line and fed him for an easy try, only for it to be pulled back for a knock-on in the build-up. Advertisement But the home side’s response was swift. Jordan scored his first of the night on the end of a pinpoint Beauden Barrett cut-out pass. Tupou Vai’i gave New Zealand the lead for the first time moments later, crashing under the posts as the attack started to click on the back of fierce defensive work. Jordie Barrett did score a try just before half-time, diving like a slip fielder to catch a Jordan pass on the right wing, before finding his feet and plopping over. But France would not lie down and hit back almost immediately from the second-half kickoff. Rieko Ioane, playing on the wing for the first time in four years, bobbled the restart, allowing France good territory and Gabin Villiere scored to cut the deficit to a single point at 21-20. Jordan scored his second of the match — his 40th Test try — to restore an eight-point advantage but again France wouldn’t give in. Replacement Jacobus Van Tonder broke the All Blacks line and fell just short of the posts, allowing Cameron Woki to cross off the back. France were reduced to 14 after try-scorer Villiere was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-down, but New Zealand couldn’t capitalise. Billy Proctor and Jordan had tries disallowed for a knock-on and obstruction respectively, as the television match official drew loud boos from the capacity crowd. A Beauden Barrett penalty extended the lead to 31-27 with six minutes remaining but France immediately gained territory as they searched for the winning try with the clock ticking down. A knock-on with 90 seconds remaining allowed the All Blacks to regain possession and hang on for a hard-fought victory. – © AFP 2025 View 9 comments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “All Blacks survive major scare against France side containing eight debutants”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “All Blacks survive major scare against France side containing eight debutants”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion black and blue News in 60 seconds FreeLeague of Ireland Frustration grows for Stephen Kenny as St Patrick's Athletic rues offside decisions 41 mins ago New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions, Australia Tour 2025 FreeNew guys Hong Kong qualify for Rugby World Cup for first time cast your vote Poll: Who will win the All-Ireland SHC semi-final between Cork and Dublin? Freefortuitious Chelsea reach Club World Cup semi-finals as late own goal downs Palmeiras FreePodcastThe 42 GAA Weekly The frenzy and bite of hurling's 'festival weekend': Cork v Dublin, Tipp v Kilkenny previews Freeall-time low Wales lose 18th consecutive Test after late capitulation against Eddie Jones' Japan New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions, Australia Tour 2025 Irish athlete Ciara Mageean diagnosed with cancer Liverpool postpone pre-season return following death of forward Diogo Jota Thomas Partey Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey charged for rape and sexual assault more from us Investigates Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine TG4 Entertainment Magazine Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The 42 supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online Sign in or create a free account To continue reading create a free account Or sign into an existing account