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The All Blacks ran out onto Stade De Francais in a new playing strip on Sunday morning (AEDT), one that seemed to go wildly against what is promised by the team name – and somewhere along the line, they won a game of Test rugby against the French.
» Re-live the match with our live blog
You really can’t improve on the All Blacks’ traditional, well, all-black playing strip, and rarely has that universal truth been more evident than during their appearance in this mostly-white number.
Granted, something had to be done. The French playing strip was too dark to wear nothing but black against – at least that is what the clash-strip enthusiasts of the world would say.
Though maybe when you’re as good as New Zealand are, you should be able to just turn up in whatever makes you feel good and let the other team please themselves? Maybe.
All the wash-up from Ireland vs Wallabies:
» LORD: Grand Slam gone, Mumm must follow
» Match report: Ireland victorious, 27-24
» Five talking points from the match
» What changes should Australia make for England
» Vote on our DIY player ratings
» Re-live the match with our live blog
» WATCH all the highlights from the match
The match itself was closer than would have been tipped by many (perhaps the traditional strip is the source of New Zealand’s power?), with the French keeping themselves in it by regularly adding penalty goals.
New Zealand got off to an early lead thanks to a ripping try through Israel Dagg, and then powered ahead even further when Beauden Barrett scored and converted his own try shortly after half-time.
They looked to have it won after Charlie Faumuina added a third try for the visitors in the 57th minute, the home side having managed no score other than three penalty goals to that point.
A try from Louis Picamoles – France’s only five-pointer of the match, then duly converted by Baptiste Serin – kept them just barely in the conversation to snatch a late win if things fell their way.
Ultimately though, they didn’t. Another penalty goal in minute 76 brought the French within five points, but that was ultimately as close as they got, with the final score reading New Zealand 24, France 19.
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.