5 great All Black / France clashes

The France vs New Zealand rugby rivalry is one that has been heavily dominated by the latter with 48 wins from the total of 61 fixtures. However, match-ups between these two sides have often yielded some of the most exciting rugby in living memory. 

France have not beaten the All Blacks since 2009 and will take their opportunity on Saturday very seriously. 

We take a look at 5 great clashes between these two proud rugby nations.  

The First World Cup Final: NZ vs France – 1987, Eden Park 

A truly memorable occasion which saw the home side dominate and hoist the Webb-Ellis trophy for the first time. 

New Zealand vs France – Second Test – French tour of NZ, 3 July, 1994 

The French toured New Zealand with a truly magnificent side which managed to down the mighty All Blacks on two successive weekends. With tough forwards and thrilling, skillful backs (including Emile Ntamack, father of current French star Romain), Les Blues were too much for the hosts. This second Test included the famous “Try from the end of the world” (around the 1hr 22min mark). 

1999 RWC – Twickenham 

Who could forget this one? After being thumped by New Zealand just a few months before, France stunned the rugby world with this marvellous display. The All Blacks were hot favourites to win the tournament but, instead, they were sent home in the semi-final by some devastating French flair. 

2007 RWC Quarter-Final, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff 

Another World Cup upset. France seized their opportunity to take a spot in the tournament’s semi-finals with this great showing.  

2011 RWC Final – Eden Park 

A truly nail-biting affair. After losing significantly to the All Blacks earlier in the tournament, Les Bleus came out all-guns-blazing for the final. A bruising, gritty, low-scoring encounter which was eventually claimed by the All Blacks.