All Blacks make it a clean sweep against determined French. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
The All Blacks gained great satisfaction while getting the monkey off their backs against a determined France in a 3-0 series sweep in Hamilton.
The French have always been the tormentors of the All Blacks, particularly in World Cup encounters, so revenge against a relatively inexperienced but fiercely competitive touring team gave the home team 11 consecutive wins over their nemesis at home.
New Zealand dominated possession but were tackled to a standstill by a great defensive effort from France, but finesse over brute force proved to be the difference in the end.
France dominated the scoring in the first half racing away to a 19-7 lead before the All Blacks asserted themselves and cut the deficit to 17-19 at the half through a try by centre Anton Lienart Brown and a penalty by Damien McKenzie. Earlier Will Jordan split the French defence for the All Blacks first try.
The French jumped the All Blacks early through fierce raids that left the home team scrambling and in disarray as they struggled to regroup.
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Three tries in quick succession suggested an upset on the cards.But Scott Robinson’s men steadied the ship and were able to swing the wheel a full 360 degrees to a 29-19 victory giving home fans a fantastic contest.
France were held scoreless in the second half as the All Blacks, finding their second wind, staged a series of assaults on the French goaline scoring twice through Du’plessis and a dream debutante Brodie McAllister to swing the game.
It was a relentless battle throughout as the beaten French put up a remarkable performance and winning the hearts and respect of a gracious home side.
New Zealand were denied two tries on the second half which were held up over the goaline by a courageous and desperate French defence.
