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At the Rugby World Cup it was devastation. On Saturday night it was utter frustration inflicted on New Zealand by France who were deserved 27-22 winners in the first Test.
A new-look New Zealand side failed to adapt to the rigours of the Test game, outscored three tries to two by opponents who simply played more pragmatic rugby, defending aggressively and adopting a far more accurate kicking game.
Flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc and hooker William Servat scored tries as France took an emphatic 17-3 lead after 27 minutes, dominating the match in every area.
New Zealand fought back with a try to No.8 Liam Messam to trail 17-11 at halftime and tied the scores 17-17 after 57 minutes before France pulled away with a late intercept try to fullback Maxime Medard.
France halfback Julien Dupuy kicked three conversions and two penalties to take 12 points from his Test debut, while All Blacks flyhalf Stephen Donald landed four penalties, also for 12 points.
New Zealand centre Ma’a Nonu scored a late try which narrowed France’s margin without disguising the visitors’ superiority.
“It was very tough,” French captain Thierry Dusautoir said. “We were very nervous before the match but we gave our all and won. We are very proud.
“Our defense was good but we also scored three tries which is very important against the All Blacks. We are going to enjoy this victory and prepare again for (the second Test) next week.” The teams play again next Saturday in Wellington.
New Zealand’s loss was only the fifth in 36 Tests at Carisbrook but the second in a row on the Dunedin ground on which they have built a formidable record.
It was only the fourth win for France on New Zealand soil in 22 attempts since 1961.
But it continued French depression for New Zealand coach Graham Henry and his team, nearly two years after their last meeting, the fateful 20-18 World Cup quarterfinal loss in Cardiff.
While the New Zealanders weren’t talking revenge this week, the result would have stung deeply, particularly as they hoping to prove they can play top rugby without injured stars Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter.
A host of other players were missing with injury and the green nature of the team was shown up by the tourists, who rushed effectively on defence and had an edge at the scrum and breakdown areas, overshadowing the raw loose forward trio of Liam Messam, Adam Thomson and Kieran Read.
No one would be hurting more than fullback Mils Muliaina in his first Test as captain, unable to lift his side to a win that appeared on the cards when his team scored 14 unanswered points either side of halftime.
They paid for too many inaccurate kicks of both the long and short, attacking variety.
The All Blacks paid the price for making silly mistakes, falling off tackles and giving up turnover ball, Muliaina said.
“We put ourselves under immense pressure — it was a big learning curve and we have got to learn fast. Next week we got to be a lot better than we were tonight.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.