Outstanding All Blacks

The rugby rivalry between New Zealand and France dates back to 1 January 1906, when Dave Gallaher's Originals beat France 38-8 in Paris. It was the first test match played by France.

After last night's match in Christchurch, the teams have met 53 times. But last night was the first time that the All Blacks have ever managed to keep the French scoreless.

New Zealand was infinitely better that at Auckland. And the win was founded on a magnificent defensive effort. That was never better exemplified by the opening minutes of the second half. France attacked, winning phase after phase; upwards of 30. But the All Black defence held, play broke down behind the advantage line and the French had to resort to an attempted field goal. Sam Cane raced in to charge the kick down, and seconds later Ben Smith scored under the posts at the other end after a break-out and bust by Julian Savea. It was the defining moment of the match.

Marc Hinton from Stuff adds his thoughts:

It was the French coach who called for the clinical rugby this week, but the All Blacks who delivered it in making their first decisive move of Steve Hansen's ambitious plan to regenerate his world champions.
After a rusty and stop-start effort in Auckland last week, this was more like it from the new-generation All Blacks, shutting out France 30-0.
Even though it had been French coach Philippe Saint-Andre who had challenged his team to deliver a more clinical performance in the second hitout of this three-test series, it was the New Zealanders who made the serious step up in execution and class.
The All Blacks won the kicking battle by a handsome margin with a display that was on the mark right from the first swing of their boot, and from there they backed it up with a chase game to match, and a vastly improved effort at the set piece.
Led brilliantly by Kieran Read in his 50th test, the home players won all the big battles and made all the big statements on a heartening night for the future of the world's No 1 team. 

A number of All Blacks faced scrutiny last night after a shaky first test of the season. We doubt that there will be much criticism this morning. Israel Dagg was a rock on defence, and always dangerous on the counter. Julian Savea went looking for work, and was rewarded with a try and an assist. Aaron Cruden looked far more assured at first-five. Sam Cane and Liam Messam were tireless in defence, showing a huge workrate, and Dane Coles was energetic, whilst his lineout throws were spot on.

It was a comprehensive win from the All Blacks; clearly the result of a lot of hard work mid-week. Their kicking game was excellent, especially in the first half. And the defence was relentless.

So that's the series done and dusted, and the Dave Gallaher Trophy retained. Both sides will face challenges this week; the All Blacks in maintaining their level of commitment, and France in getting up again for another tilt at the world champions. But with places in the Rugby Championship squad up for grabs, we reckon that the All Blacks will have less difficulty fronting up again. If they can replicate last night's intensity, they should win again and win well.