France’s solid defence and greater spark on attack have carried them to a convincing 38-15 victory over Super Rugby side the Blues in Auckland.
The tourists’ dominance at the breakdown also proved a factor as they ran in four tries to two at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday night.
In fullback Maxime Medard, backing up from playing on the wing in the first Test loss to the All Blacks, they had a lively attacker who was a constant threat.
The Tricolores were also able to disrupt the Blues’ line-out and it was from line-out turnovers that they grabbed their first two tries early in the second half.
The first went to 19-year-old centre Gael Fickou, while winger Noa Nakaitaci got the second on debut.
Nakaitaci completed a personal brace minutes later, finishing off a sweeping move for a 31-3 lead.
The Blues showed good character to strike back with two tries of their own, the first from stand-in skipper James Parsons after they rumbled over from a tap penalty.
Then, from a rare midfield line-break, winger George Moala touched down.
But France re-established their dominance by muscling their way over the line for replacement hooker Benjamin Kayser to dot down.
Both sides fielded largely second-string line-ups, the Blues without six players on All Blacks duty and also choosing to rest regular skipper Ali Williams and flanker Luke Braid.
France had four newcomers in their starting 15, while loose forward Damien Chouly, who landed in Auckland only hours earlier as an injury replacement, came off the bench.
The Blues had plenty of possession and territory in the opening quarter, but found it difficult to piece the solid wall in front of them.
They were first on the board with a penalty from flyhalf Baden Kerr in the second minute.
They were even confident enough five minutes later to turn down another shot at goal to opt to kick for the corner, but came away without profit.
The Tricolores were then able to force the Blues into errors and four penalties from halfback Jean-Marc Doussain took them to a 12-3 half-time lead.
Parisien
Guest
Thanks ABF for the extra account! Its true that highlights are a very poor substitute for the real thing! Great to hear the players fraternized after the game, and sounds like the match was a good experience for both sides, and the crowd got value for money too (and that was apparent in the highlights as well!).
atlas
Guest
it achieved what they wanted - Kirwan got to play his young team against an international side, and the players have that match to their credit St Andre has now had every member of his squad except the injured Basteraude playing a game within 3 days - ideal prep for team selection for the second test on Saturday - better than the alternative - selecting from team training runs
Ben.S
Roar Guru
Tbf to the French scrum, the loosehead is still a rookie and they started two 5 locks.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
*they would have made quite a few friends.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Great breakdown and lineout too. As ABfan says below, the young Blues had a crack and really offered some good opposition. My only concern would be the scrum. We didn't get many and the few we got were messy. Only on one or two occasions towards the end did the French pack took the upper hand. I just don't think they are as dominant there as they used to. But great game from the Blues played in a great spirit. Plus if they invited the French to the third half I think they will make a few friends!
allblackfan
Guest
parisien, not how I saw it (and I was there). watching the highlights can lead you to believe that but the Blues were pretty quick on the counterattack as well. Their handling let them down all too often. I'd say it was a good lesson in intensity for the Blues players. While the French were affecting good turnovers at the breakdown, it was because the Blues ballcarrier was too isolated. When the likes of Peter Saili and Moki (when he came on) attacked the breakdown on their ball in numbers, they were driving the French off the ball. Just not consistent enough. Medard was all class while Michelek was very wiley when he came on. George Moala did himself no favours; all three french tries came in his corney, two of them after the French ballcarrier made a good break down his wing. Pretty good crowd considering it was a Tuesday night and cold (just about Canberra cold to be exact). Plenty of families too. Good to read that after the game, the French players were invited to the Blues changeroom where they shared beers and exchanged jerseys -- apparently the French dressing rooms are dry zones; something to do with important games happening on the weekend!! The Blues are off to South Africa. This was the perfect buildup for them.
Malo
Guest
Least France are getting competition unlike the Lions debacle
Parisien
Guest
Only saw some highlights, but very promising stuff from Medard back at fullback, his best position, and young Gael Fickou. The Auckland blues looked rather slow and sluggish.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Was a very enjoyable game to watch and have to say the kiwi commentators made it even more enjoyable. Really feel that they did a very good job analysing the breakdown and lineouts, two areas where the French dominated. Reading the comments form Kirwan and PSA or the players after the game I think they all enjoyed the experience. One thing sir John said was that it seems the NH is being quicker and more efficient (or something like that) at the breakdown, and I have to agree with that after the last 2 games. It will be interesting to see what the Lions do but I think they might also target this area against the wallabies.