The All Blacks have beaten a French XV 28-23 in a scrappy but tense encounter in Lyon.
Liam Squire. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Both teams scored two first half tries with the All Blacks trailing 15-14 at the break thanks to a French penalty.
The All Blacks scored first through flanker Liam Squire, before the hosts hit back with wing Gabriel Lacroix dotting down.
The tourists responded with a five pointer to wing Matt Duffie before Lacroix bagged his brace for the French near half-time.
In the second stanza the All Blacks scored two converted tries in less than ten minutes - one to lock Patrick Tuipolotu and one to fullback David Havili - to take a 28-15 lead, before the French kicked a penalty and scored a 67th minute try to Henry Chavancy to cut the visitors advantage to 28-23.
The All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue was sinbinned for obstruction late in the match but the visitors held on to win and record their third straight win of their European tour.
First-five Lima Sopoaga was perfect with the boot for the All Blacks, kicking all four conversions.
The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen declared it "mission accomplished."
"There was six of them having their first game and probably another six hadn't played more than four games .
"They played some really good rugby, particularly early on in the game and then there were periods where the French got momentum and they defended their hearts out so all in all mission accomplished."
The All Blacks now travel to Scotland to prepare for this weekend's test at Murrayfield.
- RNZ
