In between those scores Les Bleus also crossed the whitewash with tries from Antoine Hastoy and Théo Attissogbe.
But New Zealand, while tested, always seemed to have another gear and tries from Will Jordan (two), Peter Lakai and a brace from Cam Roigard gave them the nail-biting two-point win.
It was a brilliant opening match of the new Nations Championship and Roigard was under no illusions as to how hard-fought the All Blacks’ win was.
All Blacks ‘far from at ease’
Romaine Bergone, L’Equipe
In their opening match of the Nations Championship, France put up a superb fight against New Zealand on the other side of the world this Saturday.
But they ultimately lost (34-32), though they still secured a double bonus point, both offensive and defensive.
The French XV came within two points of a huge feat and a first victory in New Zealand since 2009. They lacked a bit of gas in the last quarter of an hour, a bit of luck but also lucidity when we think back to that ball played with a kick by Nolann Le Garrec behind the New Zealand restart, when the Blues had come back to within two points after a try by Matthieu Jalibert (34-32, 78th).
The All Blacks, far from being at ease, then formed a series of small rucks on their own 40-meter line to clear the ball into touch and secure the victory. There’s reason to regret it, as the big win came so close.
Will Jordan of the All Blacks celebrates his try with Wallace Sititi of the All Blacks during the 2026 Nations Rugby Championship, All Blacks Vs France at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. 4th July 2026. © Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz x
This French team, missing some key players and whose physical freshness could be questioned at the end of an extended season, played eye to eye with Ardie Savea’s teammates in this first Nations Championship match under the roof of the brand new One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
‘Far from convincing’
Leezil Hendricks, Rugby365
Dave Rennie’s reign as All Blacks head coach began with a hard-fought 34-32 victory over France in the opening match of the Nations Championship at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.
While the result marked the perfect start for Rennie, the performance was far from convincing as the All Blacks were pushed all the way by an understrength but fearless French outfit in a thrilling five-try triumph.
Scrumhalf Cam Roigard and Will Jordan each bagged a brace of tries, giving Rennie plenty to smile about in his first match in charge.
France, who travelled with a weakened squad featuring 11 Bordeaux players but none from French champions Toulouse or fellow finalists Montpellier, showed tremendous quality and piled all kinds of pressure on the hosts.
Les Bleus crossed for four tries and could’ve snatch a famous late victory but the hosts held on to secure Rennie’s first win in charge.
‘Ideal showcase’
Charlie Elliott, Ruck.co.uk
New Zealand edged out a resilient France side in the Nations Championship opener, securing victory to give Dave Rennie a winning start in his first game as All Blacks head coach.
The first Test in Christchurch provided an ideal showcase for fast, attacking rugby, setting the tone for the new competition in an entertaining, high-tempo encounter at One NZ Stadium.
France made a dream start, stunning the All Blacks after just over a minute when Damian Penaud crossed following a series of quick phases.
New Zealand were then disrupted by a yellow card for Ruben Love after a high tackle, but responded well as Will Jordan finished brilliantly in the corner.
The hosts soon took control, slicing through the French defence before Caleb Clarke set up Peter Lakai to score.
Sustained pressure was then rewarded when Cam Roigard darted over from close range to extend the advantage just before the break, but a couple of Maxime Lucu penalties kept the visitors close.
France struck just seven minutes into the second half as quick hands from Matthieu Jalibert and Theo Attissogbe set up Antoine Hastoy to restore their lead.
Cam Roigard replied after strong centre play, with his try and conversion securing a bonus-point advantage. France hit back through Theo Attissogbe after a disallowed score for Fabien Brau-Boirie.
Late scores from a penalty and Will Jordan extended New Zealand’s lead, before Matthieu Jalibert’s 78th-minute effort set up a tense finish, but the All Blacks held firm to get their first win under Rennie.
All Blacks ‘deeply flawed’
Associated Press
New Zealand opened rugby’s inaugural Nations Championship, and a new era under head coach Dave Rennie, with an ambitious but deeply-flawed 34-32 win over France on Saturday.
Rennie called for two qualities from the All Blacks, brutality and optimism, and they produced both but only in patches.
Errors of execution and discipline forced by the relentlessness of a French team stripped of many of its leading players meant New Zealand was unable to secure its win until the final minutes.
Scrumhalf Cam Roigard and winger Will Jordan scored two tries each as the All Blacks won by five tries to four, extending their winning streak at home against France to 17 years.
Cam Roigard of the All Blacks celebrates his try during the 2026 Nations Rugby Championship, All Blacks Vs France at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. 4th July 2026. © Copyright photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz x
‘More clunky than clinical’
Liam Napier, NZ Herald
More clunky than clinical but Dave Rennie’s All Blacks tenure starts on a positive note.
The ‘you got this’ message emblazoned on trams throughout Christchurch eventually rang true but the All Blacks were forced to overcome scares and many scratchy moments before subduing a heavily weakened France.
In a typically rusty first test of the year, with Rennie assuming charge and having 10 days, six trainings, to prepare his maiden national squad, the All Blacks notched their first win in Christchurch in a decade and, with it, got on the board in the new Nations Championship.
Tick, tick, tick.
In a match that featured six lead changes the All Blacks had to work hard for their points in pristine conditions under the roof.
France, despite missing eight Top 14 finalists, were highly competitive to illustrate the vast depth their competition boasts. French centre Fabien Brau-Boirie had a second half try eventually ruled out for an earlier knock on. Had France finished that and other opportunities, they could well have pulled off a major upset.
Indeed, it was that close.
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.