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New Zealand Rugby: All Blacks Beat France in Messy Game
Published: June 9, 2013
A flurry in the last 10 minutes of the first half proved decisive and saw the New Zealanders open up a gap that was never closed. During this period, the back line looked threatening, and breaks from Ben Smith and Ma’a Nonu were the catalysts for the only two tries the All Blacks would score.
Outside of this period though, the All Blacks played every bit like a team that had not played for six months. They looked rusty, made too many mistakes and never applied any real pressure on France.
France were much the same. Although they looked dangerous at times and were quick to the breakdown, they also made too many mistakes to mount any real pressure.
The game was dominated by scrum resets, which chewed up a lot of time in the second half and made for a frustrating watch. It was apparent from the get-go that the French pack was going to try to jump the gun on the set call, which resulted in a number of free kicks going against them. However, the technique of both front rows was found wanting too, making for a fairly dour second half with collapsed scrum after collapsed scrum.
Ben Smith was the best of the All Blacks. He looking dangerous all night, bringing his outstanding Super 15 form to the test match arena. His break to set up the first try saw him beat one of the world’s best defenders in Thierry Dusautoir, as the French captain was unable to get a hand on him.
He looked exceptional when he went to fullback too, and even more pressure will be added to the selectors to start him at fullback ahead of the out-of-sorts Israel Dagg next week.
Ma’a Nonu also played well, making a handful of line breaks. Aaron Smith provided good service and support...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Rugby Union
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