The All Blacks can close out a clean sweep in their series against France when the two sides meet for the third-and-final Test in New Plymouth tonight. We’ll have live scores from 5.35pm AEST.
New Zealand might have been worthy of criticism after their patchy 10-point win over the French at Eden Park in the first Test a fortnight ago, but the same certainly couldn’t be said of the All Blacks last Saturday.
The French were perhaps closer than the scoreline made it appear, but the All Blacks simply monstered their opponents in defence and when they did win the ball, they were deadly with it.
The All Blacks scored two sweeping, counter-attacking tries in the second half to go with another in the first en route to a 30-0 victory.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made a number of changes to the starting XV, with Dan Carter replacing Aaron Cruden at flyhalf the most notable.
Elsewhere Rene Ranger comes in for Julian Savea on the wing, Victor Vito earns a start in place of Liam Messam and the experienced pair of Andrew Hore and Piri Weepu also return.
The French now have the difficult task of pulling themselves together for the third Test in a series they’ve already lost, having been beaten by a total 40 points over the first two games.
French coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made eight changes to the starting XV, with Frederic Michalak (Shoulder) and Louis Picamoles (Hip) the only two forced changes.
Brice Dulin, Marc Andreu, Remi Tales, Antonie Claasen, Jean-Marc Doussain, Damien Chouly,Alexandre Flanquart and Benjamin Kayser all come into the starting side.
Wet, icy conditions are expected in New Plymouth tonight with temperatures expected to hover around five degrees during the game, expect the slippery surface to play a part.
With this Test being the last chance for the All Blacks to tune up before the Rugby Championship in August, expect another convincing performance.
Will it be another clear-cut win for the home side or can the French possibly spring an upset?
Find out from 5.35pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts in the space below.
mace 22
Guest
hehehehehehehe.
richard
Guest
Jerry,no rational person would be sold on Foster.In coaching terms,he's an imbecile.
richard
Guest
The ABs have got problems to rectify before the RC.The loose forwards were still beaten at the breakdown,although I felt Cane was better with the ball around the field.At blindside,Vito was a waste of space.I can understand why he has only played a handful of tests in his four years in the ABs.The pack lacks aggression and cohesion across the board,although I felt Romano stepped up with a storming game. The backline,like the pack lacked cohesion,with too much over-running of the ball and inability to draw and pass.As a result,the ABs butchered numerous try-scoring opportunities.It didn't help that Weepu was quite poor,with shoddy service to his b/line. Ben Smith,Israel Dagg and Ma'a Nonu all had excellent games.But my MOTM would have to be Luke Romano.
frisky
Guest
I watched the replay in slow motion, frame by frame, about 16 times. The ball was between the ground and Smith’s body the whole time and at all times he hasd either one hand or arm, or the other hand or arm, in contact with tyhe ball the whole time. Until then , I had doubts, I am now convinced that it was a fair try. I am surprised that the TMO could be certaoin without the frame by frame shots- maybe teh TV did not show what the TMO was checking.
frisky
Guest
Touche. Fair point. I expect Cruden and Barrett to kick these ones most of teh time.
John
Guest
is ayoub an aussie ? tells the story
atlas
Guest
"He did nail a beauty, but that is expected at this level" you didn't watch the Wallabies then?
frisky
Guest
What is the law about touchdowns. Hands and arms? What about body applying downward pressure as in Barrett’s try?
frisky
Guest
Carter looked rusty with his kcking and has lost his acceleration. Both Cruden and Barrett have more zip. Maybe the French defense flattered the youngsters in the first two tests. Barretts tries in each oif his 5 minute cameos were done at high speed. Made Carter look pedestrian. Fresh legs or is Carter ready for his pension? Why the congrats about Carter’s points. He missed 2 relatively easy kicks. The extra 6 ppoints would have given the AB a more comfortable gap and allowed the subs on earlier. He did nail a beauty, but that is expected at this level. Romano was MOTM in my opinion
DR
Guest
Me neither. Better than Deans though ;)
Jerry
Guest
I dunno, I'm still not sold on Foster....
DR
Guest
Lets hope they have a B and C plan i guess. Am sure they do. (or wil :)
Jerry
Guest
They got pinged a bunch of times for going off their feet last year when they'd counter rucked and basically won the ball so it's got to be a tactic. Which is fine in this series cause France couldn't create much, but I dunno how good it'll be in the future. It's fine when they've got a lead, but if they're behind by more than 7 early on?
atlas
Guest
End of the 2013 June series 08 June New Zealand 23 - 13 France 15 June New Zealand 30 - 0 France 22 June New Zealand 24 - 9 France Tour match 11 June Blues 15 - 38 France Next year sees the first ever three-match test series for New Zealand v England
DR
Guest
I agree. Too much emphasis on counter attack for mine. Still, tactics have been right against France. Wonder if having NH refs played a part in their tactics in not wanting to commit to the rucks in defence?
WRM
Guest
Dagg, Romano, Ranger, Nonu and B.Smith were excellent. The rest were OK.
Jerry
Guest
True, did you see him nicking Tony Johnson's wallet?
Jerry
Guest
Oh, that's definitely part of it, but they're not creating anything from set piece or phase possession in the opposition half which has to be a concern?
dean
Guest
That Richie Mc Caws a bloody cheat. France should have won that one.
DR
Guest
Jerry, am starting to think that it is deliberate. I don't think they commit numbers to defence on purpose to limit potential penalties against and look to score primarily from turnovers. Thoughts?