New Zealand Prevails in Thrilling Nations Championship Opener Against France
The Nations Championship kicked off with an exciting match between New Zealand and France in Christchurch. Will Jordan's two tries helped the All Blacks secure a thrilling 34-32 victory over Les Bleus. New Zealand's new head coach, Dave Rennie, started his tenure with a win, with Peter Lakai and Cam Roigard also scoring tries for the hosts.
Despite France's efforts, including tries from Damian Penaud, Antoine Hastoy, Theo Attissogbe, and Matthieu Jalibert, they fell short of a win on New Zealand soil. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive resilience. France, missing key players Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, put up a strong fight but ultimately couldn't overcome the All Blacks.
The tournament opener set the stage for an exciting competition, with New Zealand facing Italy next and France traveling to Australia. The match highlighted the competitive nature of international rugby and the talent on display from both teams. Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the Nations Championship unfolds.