All Blacks look to raise the bar in Wellington

· Lynn McConnell · action press
250705ABs 178
France did everything expected of them in the first Lipovitan-D Test in Dunedin, but having bridged the gap from Super Rugby to Test rugby, the All Blacks, who won 31-27, will be looking to build on their effort in the second Test in Wellington on Saturday.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said they knew the French, having been written off as inexperienced, would scrap all the way under the Forsyth Barr Stadium roof and that proved the case.

New Zealand dominated the territory and possession percentages, but lacked the killer finish to put scoreboard pressure on the visitors.

However, the French showed how much steel there was in their group.

Among the New Zealand frustrations, there was delight for the new caps, lock Fabian Holland, No8 Christian Lio-Willie, prop Ollie Norris and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi.

"Fabian's got a big engine for a big man and he just kept going. He plays big minutes for the Highlanders. We were going to take a look at him after 50 minutes and make a call, but he kept trucking."

Robertson didn't believe the 18 handling errors the All Blacks conceded were a result of their desire to play fast, but mostly came when they were in contact with the ground.

"So, it's not too fast when you're carrying the ball into contact. You have to break that down a little, but I was pleased that playing fast created so much.

"We didn't finish enough, and it's good to see, and we stayed brave, which was the key."

The All Blacks' discipline was a factor in containing France, but the visitors' ability to contest kick-ball saw them apply pressure in that area.


"They tried mauling us, and got behind us a couple of times. They kicked well, and when they got their opportunities from turnovers, or off the back of the scrum, you saw what they could do.

"The challenge for our group is to be better next week and take another step forward with what we're trying to do."

Robertson confirmed that, having failed his HIA, wing Sevu Reece will not be considered for the second Test.

Captain Scott Barrett, who left the field late with an Achilles tendon issue that could affect his availability for the second Test in Wellington, said that with three tries being declined due to the TMO, it was a case of keeping momentum going and not letting the decisions affect the flow of the game.

"It was words of reassurance that we were creating opportunities. In those moments, you can easily slip away and potentially become frustrated because we get turned down after being awarded. It's a mental trap we could fall into.

"But I was pleased with the way the boys hung in there and I guess the French hung in there as well."

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