A Century of Rivalry
The rivalry between the All Blacks and France in rugby spans over a century, marked by memorable encounters and significant moments in the sport’s history. Their matches have consistently produced drama, controversy, and displays of excellence.
The first Test between the two nations took place on New Year’s Day 1906, with the Original All Blacks securing a victory in Paris. This initial encounter set the stage for one of international rugby’s most celebrated rivalries, which has continued for more than 120 years.
The upcoming match on Saturday, July 4, at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch will be the 68th official Test between the two sides. The All Blacks have a strong historical record, having won 51 of the previous 67 Tests. France has claimed victory in 15 of these matches, with one ending in a draw. This gives the All Blacks a 76 percent winning record against Les Bleus.
Defining Moments and World Cup Clashes
The rivalry is particularly defined by its Rugby World Cup clashes. In 1987, the All Blacks and France contested the inaugural Rugby World Cup final at Eden Park, where the All Blacks emerged victorious with a 29-9 score. However, France has also been responsible for some significant upsets.
One such upset occurred in the 1999 World Cup semi-final, where France staged a comeback to win 43-31. This match is often described as a “heist” due to its dramatic nature. Another notable upset was in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff, where France defeated New Zealand 20-18.
The 2011 World Cup final, also held at Eden Park, was a particularly agonising affair for both teams. The All Blacks secured a narrow 8-7 victory, ending a 24-year wait for a second Rugby World Cup title in front of their home crowd. This match saw Thierry Dusautoir, the French tackling machine, make a record 38 tackles against the All Blacks.
The All Blacks recorded their highest score against France with a 62-13 victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Cardiff. This dominant performance included nine tries and is considered one of the most impactful knockout displays in Rugby World Cup history.
Notable Players and Controversies
Several players have left their mark on this rivalry. Sebastien Chabal, known as “Caveman,” was a formidable opponent for the All Blacks, notably breaking Ali Williams’ jaw in Wellington in 2007. Yannick Jauzion scored a decisive try in the 2007 World Cup that sent the All Blacks home.
The 1986 Battle of Nantes was a particularly brutal encounter, with France winning 16-3. Allegations of drug use were made after the French players were observed frothing at the mouth. During this match, Wayne Shelford sustained a significant injury to his scrotum from an unidentified French player.
Controversies have also been a part of this rivalry. In 2000, All Blacks fans expressed outrage after referee Wayne Erickson awarded Fabien Pelous a try despite the ball being off the ground. Another incident involved the eye-gouge of Richie McCaw by Aurelien Rougerie in the 2011 World Cup final.
The term “Kiwi-killers” was bestowed upon the French team by their media, reflecting their capacity for upsets. Christophe Lamaison was a key figure in France’s infamous 1999 victory, orchestrating their comeback. Maxime Médard secured a late intercept try for France in Dunedin in 2009.
The Upcoming Match
The upcoming match in Christchurch will kick off the inaugural Nations Championship and the All Blacks’ 2026 Test season. The rivalry has seen only one draw in 67 Tests, a 20-20 tie in Paris in 2002, where both teams scored two tries, two conversions, and two penalties.
The All Blacks’ 51 victories against France have occurred across six different decades and on four continents, demonstrating their consistent performance against a formidable opponent. The All Blacks will face France at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday, July 4, with kick-off scheduled for 7:05 pm.
Source: rnz.co.nz
