GAME OF THE YEAR? | FRANCE vs NEW ZEALAND

Les Bleus took on The Darkness under the lights in Paris - WHAT an occasion and what a game. Some reflections on a banger of a Test Match.

[@Essa.hejdkehhzhzjz-y1h]

The Haka in the darkness and the silence.. unique ❤ could have been just that. Thank you

[@markthompson7817]

I have sat on the tribes Marae and listened to Te Ruperaha’s (the composer of this Haka) granddaughter explain the ABs Haka. I have been involved in performing a number of Haka and for me the Haka spotlighted in the dark with the ABs in white was epic, what a spectacle. From last week with Irish only performing half of the anthem to this was amazing, and as you say Tim the French anthem was fantastic. This was the best pre game spectacle I can remember.

[@nicolaskluzek]

As a French fan I'm very proud of the respect shown for the Haka, proud of how courageous our team was too. The All Blacks fell by just 1 point with their weapons in their hands, playing their game until the end. Huge respect for this team. I would say the ABs were a bit better because they had more possession but I would agree with the analysis here, France managed to overcome big problems. I loved the England-South Africa game this weekend. Great game. International rugby is just INCREDIBLE to watch.

[@axelpteeg]

Best game in the world !!

[@bikeman9899]

💯

[@jean-mariegraux-eg6th]

I was at the stadium Pre match show, national Anthems, Hakka: best I have seen for ages. 1st half the ABs managed to keep the crowd silent but the reponse from French team in 2nd half got the crowd live again and the last 10 minutes were your hot…. Very good entertainment

[@buenvia]

I am English but I was at the game. The French are the BEST fans in the world. The atmosphere was incredible. The show was increadible. The fans were incredible.... and the way France played was even better. Well done France!

[@iceswallowgum8540]

Best presentation of the haka home and away I’ve ever seen merci France 🇫🇷

[@GnJs6PackTraining]

Best haka setup I’ve ever seen! Well done France

[@donaldmalander4741]

the spotlight on the french players & haka, and the cell phone fairy lights....brilliant!

[@MrNostalGuy]

Hi sir, I'd like to compliment you. Not only because you praise french team's game and players (I'm french), but overall for the positive and relevant way you comment with an open mind and evident love for rugby in general. It's people like you who make me like and understand this wonderful game when it is played like saturday evening. Thank you.

[@felixlafleurie7856]

J'adhère

[@niklojavelle]

Fact.

[@MartinJames-s3n]

Full respect to the French for the silence during the Haka. This is far better than the mindless 'Swing low' sung by the English supporters. 😊

[@seeingeye1]

That's nothing compared to South Africa. Fans singing , fireworks set off, plane flyover all during the haka..Taking it to another level

[@MartinJames-s3n]

@seeingeye1 Yes - I saw that and very embarrassing for SA and they apologised which is something the English never do. 😅

[@seeingeye1]

What's embarrassing? It was great banter. How can someone apologise for every single fan at Ellis Park who cheered the entertainment while they were performing the haka . It's not possible to speak for all. Twickenham was nothing compared to that.. Just fans singing, which is a normal response for the haka. 30 years ago or today. South Africa upped the stakes big time with that entertainment. .

[@michelgrangeret1427]

As a rugby fan, I am necessarily not objective, but tell me what other sport can offer this kind of spectacle that can transport you to another dimension. What an atmosphere ! "La Marseillaise" sung a cappella by the almost entire stadium , I had never heard that before. And that respectful silence during the haka. And this match, what a match !! Congratulations to both teams for giving us this moment we truely need in this somewhat "hectic" world. And congratulations to the public.

[@ettiennekotze82]

The silent respect from the French crowd was a stark contrast to what happend at Twickenham. As you said - the anthem was bone chilling. Great game overall.

[@dn822]

Ja jy moet asb op aandag staan vir die Haka. Ek het afgetrek langs die pad en uit mynkar geklim

[@papatango5085]

In France the all blacks are respected. All rugby fan like this team After national team

[@seeingeye1]

Forget about Twickenham. Have you forgotten the singing,fireworks, and a plane flyover all during the Haka in South Africa . That's taking it to a whole new level. Great entertainment is was.

[@timwilliams1335]

As a Kiwi I’m not completely upset. For the first time, we are starting to see a different shape in our attack. It’s still a bit clucks, but it’s starting to come, and when it does we’re beating the rush D. That, and we’ve now got a stable of of proper good props! How good was T/Williams!!!

[@GeoffGummer]

The Mighty Mighty Williams.

[@raphaelcoudon3892]

Your 1st half was amazing, the density, intensity and speed you guys put was just incredible, as a French was scared to see what the All Blacks were showing.

[@gelster555]

How awesome were the national anthems and the haka ! Great production and such a great advertisement for the game. Well done to both teams. Respect from 🇿🇦

[@TurtleFPL]

Brilliant game! Audible burst out "what a tackle", "what a pass", "what a break", etc so many times. Joy to watch as a neutral

[@stanley626]

When you see the quality of spectacle, the atmosphere and the skills on display you can see why rugby in France is in a good place

[@pierrestarck8769]

The show before the game!!! Wow!! The players entry, the national anthem, the Haka! The silence during the Haka! Wow!! Amazing!!

[@zarg64]

Honestly, I thought the French team wouldn't be physically ready to take on the ABs, but in the first half the ABs really hurt us, they really dominated, they're a great team and we just took advantage of their many mistakes, In the second half, the French finally woke up and came up with a better game, the bielle-biarrey runs hurt them with Ramos' footwork, I loved the pre-match show and the absolute respect of the French public on the hakka with an incredible staging, match of the year!

[@thierrym8875]

Honestly, speaking on physically challenge, I didn't expect this just like you because ABs have played for 3 weeks together and it's was their third test match in a raw whereas French group gathered few day ago to train and then play a weak Japan team only.... Moreover we couldn't see our best 9 and 10 pair playing together... Ntamak was injured in RWC and Dupont missed last 6 nations... again Ntamak was injured against ABs... Our new very promising pair of centers were also missing... and had to ask for veterans... Looking forward to seeing our real best squad for 6 Nations... hopefully.

[@julienporisse9902]

The light show, the respect shown, the Haka in white shirts… the spirits of all the New Zealanders who fought in WW1 and the Maoris…goosebumps. A thing of spiritual beauty. Rugby came out a winner and hats off with respect to the 1906 Captain of the Original All Blacks Mr Gallagher, who came over to France and gave his life for freedom

[@Ricercar275]

These autumn games show that NZ will soon be back at it's very best level. What an impressive strength, from nber1 to nber 15 !!! And your coach is honnest and clever (two great skills for a coach, IMHO). We french fans are always proud when our team manages to withstand such a legendary team. Anyway, both teams deserved to win this game, and it was a memorable rugby evening, with a lots of hope for the future of each side.

[@kevinarenhold384]

Definitely think this French team have to be favourites for the 6 nations. Very strong and growing a big squad at the same time 😮😮

[@MrNico8889]

But Ireland is our Nemesis 😅

[@InsanelyIrish]

Well deserved win for France. The energy and speed of it was incredible. Some of the hits were insane but I'm glad France won it.

[@vincentboeswillwald9076]

random comment from a random French here, just want to say how much I appreciate your analysis Tim. You are one of the finest specialist that I know. About the game, tough to win for sure. Haka was immense. I liked the silence. Could someone give the word to Twickenham?

[@louisdaillencourt2454]

Oui enfon on siffle leurs tireurs comme des malpropres, alors qu'à Twickenham il y a silence !

[@garethrichmond4388]

Congrats, France, on the well-earned win. Super fun game to watch especially as a neutral. France doing very France things. Ramos kicking the ball away away like three times in the last ten minutes only 1 point up... Jalibert refusing to join the national side as the back up ten because he thought he should have started last week... playing servery good rugby and winning a pretty hectic and full throttle game of rugby. Hold my glass of wine and cigarettes...

[@axelpteeg]

3 wins in a row . What a time to be a French fan . Brutal game . NZ were awesome runners . Their pack destroyed ours in the first half and then ..... France came back for the second half with their tails up. Our defense was outstanding , waves after waves of scary big , fast runners and then France capitalised on all the crumbs that were left for them . Satiti is soooo good , Boudehent was brutal , bielle Barrey is a rocket . What a brilliant advertising for the game . Allez les petits ! Vivement le tournoi !

[@jskok3280]

I bet that nobody thus far, especially the French supporters, have complained about France's one point win over All Blacks. Unlike when the Springboks won a couple of games with the same margin!😮😂

[@46paulb]

@@jskok3280yes because in south africa's case it wasn't a test match, it was the RWC knockouts, they won their 3 knockout matches by one point after losing to ireland in the groups, so people are obviously disappointed that south africa won with a bit of luck when they were not the best team or the team producing the best rugby in the tournament... Some will say it's their experience that won them the WC, not their talent.

[@matthewashman1406]

​@@46paulbwin is a win 😊

[@46paulb]

@@matthewashman1406 ofc, i'm not denying SA's wins or even their title, i'm just giving an explanation as to why they received a lot of criticism after the WC. And even if that criticism is in my opinion entirely justified, it won't change the fact that SA won the WC 🤷‍♂️

[@duncanwcraig9668]

Congrats to France my bro.

[@Maxiboy246]

As a French I thought ABs did so well nullifying Dupont throughout the game 🫡 well done absolute banger of a game

[@financialliberty2381]

I don't think NZ did anything incredibly creative there, they mostly destroyed the French pack if not even humiliated them for most of the game starving DuPont from decent quality possession or even possession at all (see the stats) Probably no halfback in history would have done better behind such a dominated pack.

[@kropotkine9640]

@@financialliberty2381 they destroyed it in the set piece, during all game. But apart from that and above all in the 2nd half, the French front rows were looking dominant 11 dominant tackles for France, 4 for the ABs 1 turn over tackle for France none for ABs Succesful tackles for France: Alexandre Roumat 18 Peato Mauvaka 16 Gregory Alldritt 16 Thibaud Flament 15 Emmanuel Meafou 14 Paul Boudehent 14 For NZ: Peter Lakai 12 Codie Taylor 11 Wallace Sititi 11 Tupou Vaa'i 10 6 of the 7 turnover won by the French were from front row players while 4 of the 8 from NZ Stats don't lie

[@financialliberty2381]

@@kropotkine9640 well they mostly destroyed the French lineout which is the primary reason they had so many possession.France fixed that after HT but NZ still dominated the scrums, the collisions and the breakdown as well (I was shocked by how badly the French were clearing their rucks)

[@financialliberty2381]

@@kropotkine9640 oh and the stats you're showing are mostly defensive stats from French forwards which only confirmed my point that NZ had most of possession. But look at the number of meters made by both set of forwards for example and you will understand who dominated the collision for example. You're obviously always going to have more occasions than the opponent to do dominant tackles when your opponent dominates the possession and the set pieces so much

[@kropotkine9640]

@@financialliberty2381 France has a tendancy to win games without having possession, they showed it one more time yesterday

[@andrewbere-adams2410]

Razor is doing what Razor does. Brilliant. What a belter. TMO ******* around again. What a spectacle Congrats France and do I mind losing by 1 point, totally, but less so after a game like that.

[@rodcarlson9505]

Rugby as it should be played ❤ as a Kiwi this is in our DNA & France also has it. Hopefully the new boss of World Rugby can be a part of change where it’s not dominated by huge muscle bound giants. Rugby was and always been a sport for all sizes.

[@rileyfreeman9726]

Roigard plays like a mix of Dupont and De Klerk. He's comprehensively outplayed every 9 he's faced in super rugby. Generational talent 9. Incredible sniper, massive boot and very physical. He only just returned from a serious injury and likely wasn't 100% which is the scary thing.

[@TheflyingkiwiRC]

Bringing Ratima on lost us the game IMO. Cam Roigard is just another level. His passing is so crisp and his defense is strong.

[@CROM-on1bz]

There is a kind of mini earthquake coming to France: Rugby is about to overtake football in terms of views, spectators and public love. Currently there are more French people who turn on their TV to watch a rugby match than for a football match. Human values, courage, modesty and national support will finally dethrone the fragile ballet dancers who play football.

[@fidget2020]

I really hope so!!

[@Olivier-cr8ri]

Une très bonne chose.

[@brunolopez8614]

I dunno if it's possible in the long run, i don't think so. But true for the last few weeks.

[@waynepatterson1206]

8mil tv's = 20ml people.. No one watch alone

[@Robbie-lb2nm]

Sounds good

[@robertwood6297]

international game of the year - agreed!

[@patbaldos2523]

For our team and its supporters, playing the ABs is always a special occasion. In our culture, they remain the best team in the world and the standard bearer. There is always an enormous sense of honour, fear and pride in playing them. That's certainly why the Haka is so respected in our country. This match was intense and magnificent. We could have lost it and I would still have been amazed to have seen it. VIVE LES ALL BLACKS !!!

[@paulmulryne8405]

With Eng vs SA and then this, its been a great weekend for our sport. I love that there have been so many close games this autumn - its great for our sport 😊 congrats to 🇫🇷

[@patricknaera]

Vive le France, spectacular on and off the field! Congratulations our old nemesis that always if there is a team we are unsure about it is Les Bleus 🇫🇷 always! The winger is Le Flash, the 7 is a machine, and Ramos you guarantee your life on his kicks. Tamaiti is a beast, the loosie trio Ardie on the side offers more open for all loosie, Roigard is a high confidence player, and although a loss but we learned more. Will made some poor decisions passing or running in lieu of kicking, and Razor learning more.

[@Zveebo]

Watching this match really convinced me we should have more late night rugby. What a spectacle! Right team won for me in the end - if this is France with multiple key team members out, they’re really going to be a force to be reckoned with in the Sox Nations.

[@deantairi8357]

honestly proud of the ABs but big respect for the french officials fans players

[@JohnCostello-e3s]

Maybe you can put to bed now your whining about the south being disrespected

[@flick1599]

Will see if they can keep it up​@JohnCostello-e3s

[@angusaitchison8378]

The choice to take the 3 was made very easy by the fact that the TMO decided to get involved twice in the last 5 minutes for absolutely ridiculous calls. ABs missed Sam cane immensely in this game. This game was made for him. In saying all of that congratulations France you guys are awesome and thanks for the respect you show the ABS and the Haka.

[@xaviermurray7698]

The magic of scrumcap wingers wowza how good was Bielle Biarrey😮

[@EggchasersRugby]

Agreed!

[@LuisNunes-ps4sl]

Only 21 and already that good! 😅😅

[@Razzle-se9dw]

I was so happy to see Roigard take his opportunity with both hands and impress. His 8th test and second ever test start, on his 24th birthday in the cauldron of French rugby. If he can manage his injury, he has the potential to be very special.

[@fredenpark4385]

as a French, I was really worried after 30 minutes, we were outclassed, smashed quite everywhere, incredible passing game and fighting spirit by the All Blacks. I think we won it with guts, mental ressources, half time speech, crowd's help, few strategy mistakes by the AB, and little bit of luck because one point, can be nothing and all.

[@Miiiiiiighty]

To mitigate my opinion though what surprised me was the capacity of fellow frenchmen to survive the rythm of the NZers. I though most of them would be toast from 50-55' on after seeing the first 20 minutes but they managed to be resilient and endure that incredible effective play time

[@kerrymansell8102]

This game exposed the AB's more than any other this year. The try the French scored after only one or two phases in the second half wouldn't have happened with Retallick and Whitelock in the second row. Scot Barrett's decision to opt for the penalty goal I thought was the wrong one but he was in the engine room and must've felt it was the right one for the team. The French defense was the most effective we have come up against this year, we played a lot of attacking rugby for too few points. The AB's fatigue at the end of the game revealed a team that had tried very hard but had been equally well contained. Well done France.

[@neilstanley5565]

You seem to forget that they had played big test matches every weekend, tell me another team that takes on that comitment in world rugby.

[@kerrymansell8102]

@@neilstanley5565 I didn't think the previous games compromised the AB's performance against France.

[@avi8ordude]

11:00 spot on, some teams do not have the ability to problem solve, France managed this very well, intelligent team. One thing that would concern AB fans, is the lack of backline ideas before halftime. They looked disjointed and unable to conquer the French defence. I think this was a big reason they took 3 whenever they could. The backline is still unconvincing and I agree Jordan does need to become more French-like by developing his unpredictability. Amazing weekend though, World Rugby now is a salivating watch.

[@cubatea]

Tim, for a game that we all love, I love the positivity you bring to your reviews and that is usually reflected in the quality of comments you see on here.

[@Rugby-ski]

Merci Tim. I wish a French commentator could be so positive about England or New-Zealand. ❤

[@branlotin]

I remember going to the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille to see France vs New Zealand in 2000. I believe it was the first time France played in this stadium, and there was some concern that the crowd more used to football would boo the Haka, they even had a speaker asking the crowd to respect the Haka over PA which I thought was a bad idea, I was afraid it would give the idea to people who might otherwise not have it. Anyway, the All Black line up for the Haka and there's a buzz in the crowd, they start the Ka Mate to some boos but very quickly the rugby people all around the stadium told the booers to shut up. One could feel it was a rare opportunity for all rugby lovers in the south-east of France to see a live All Blacks Haka and they were not going to let this opportunity be spoilt. There was a defeaning silence, and we could hear very clearly the slapping of hands against chests and thighs, this is a great memory of mine.

[@Rugby-ski]

Same in Paris on Saturday ❤

[@Tehui1974]

As a kiwi, it's good to hear a non-partisan view of the game. Despite the loss, I feel that this ABs side is heading in the right direction. They're obviously in a rebuilding phase, and the AB forward pack will mature and get better. I do think that further changes are required to some positions in the AB backline.

[@Azcabalt]

I like what you said about this Summer Tour. France isn't disrepectful at all ! The main players of the XV of France play in the Top 14 until very late. Many of them have to struggle to its final, while they just come back the Champions / Challenge Cup, so it can be very tough and those players really need some months to rest for next season. They play a hell lof of matches, they could not keep up if they were playing in the summer too. Also France has many players that could play (youngster but also skilled players that are just at position where there is too much competition), and as a French it's a pleasure to see them play. For instance, I am a big fan of Baptiste Serin, the 9 from Toulon, but with Dupont and Le Garrec he will rarely be playing in big games for France. It was quite nice to see him play for France this summer in Argentina, he totally deserves it but he's overshadowed by other. It's the same for many young talents that cannot take a place in the main team but deserve to play and gain experience with the international teams ! When we send what could look like a B team, it's for those reasons, not by disrespect for any countries or not because our players do not want to play far from home. In the contrary, we deeply respect huge rugby nations whether it is SA, NZ, Australia or Argentina, and we look forward to those games !

[@Rugby-ski]

Absolutely ❤

[@pierreorban5888]

Never mind the game,awesome respect to the players and supporters for the HAKA

[@clydebear6914]

Fantastic test match. Some unbelievable hits and deft skills. All credit to France. Nice to see the Kiwis having their cough softened for them. 😉

[@wottos]

You were right about La Marseillaise! What a sound.

[@sniperdps]

Give it to the All Blacks - whenever they lose, it's usually an extremely good/memorable game.

[@thehobbymachinistnz]

I would like to see Billy Proctor brought into the midfield. He is a dynamic player and has the ability to break the line a lot. I hope they play him next week.

[@NielFerreira-i7z]

Great game....sadly someone had to lose..... good lighting effects France.👍

[@thomaslequesne5475]

Watching Meafou running 20 or 30 meters through the AB defense like there weren't several 100+ kg men all over him was insane.

[@Zveebo]

It was 35 metres. Incredible moment - I honestly just burst out laughing because the image of all those ABs hanging off of him was just so insane.

[@FromAgen]

Huge absence for the French team during the last RWC.

[@thomaseskenazi2013]

I completely agree ith you Tim, AB were the better team, but as Dupont explained after the game, the team discussed during the break on how to fix the issues in lineout and scrum, and first thing in the second half, they chose to go for the corner instead of the 3 and scored a try to get bck to 17-17. I feel this was the truning point on the psychologcal level, more than a try it was a statement. I would alos have word about GH Colombes who hat to make close the whole game as a prop and he was with Flament still there on the last action, grabbing Will Jordam to create a maul and getting the last turn over that won us the game, while the very previous day he was sick and was not even sure to play the game (he was so bad they called Atonio last minute). Anyways, as I hope we showed before the game, we have nothing bu respect for AB, it was a privilege to have you. It is as Tim put it, we cannot send you the full roster next July for stupid calendar reasons, but as Galthié always says, we will send you the best possible team to win the games =)

[@heidimuller8339]

Epic match! Thought NZ had it there for a minute. France never say die.

[@matheusalves5160]

To think that Louis Bielle-Biarrey is only 21 is crazy. So much potential.

[@johnbenefield922]

Great analysis on corner vs penalty in last 5 mins we certainly didnt have a plan after restart by not controlling the pill from penalty and blew the game. Hats off to France who deserved the win but the other bugger raised its head again with the woeful inconsistent officiating from the Georgian, sideline refs and tmos who just can't their beaks out of it and affected the flow of the game and arguably influenced the final result. Theses guy need to be held accountable by WR.

[@patrickblanchard4575]

Avec ces jeunes joueurs, la France va devenir difficile à battre!!. Ces deux équipe nous ont offert un superbe spectacle

[@charleswindsor1184]

I love watching Louis Bielle-Biarrey, he is spectacular. When Penaud comes back- oh lookout six nations. And great to see Ollivon back on.

[@zhahahaha1]

Ntamack soon❤

[@charleswindsor1184]

@@zhahahaha1 Yeeeeeeeeeessssss!!!!! Shall never again forget wonderful Romain. What a feckin great backfield

[@pascalpibouleau2265]

You’re definitely my favorite rugby KZbin channel. Thanks for your job !

[@manukeo5498]

Félicitations aux Néo-Zélandais , de vrais guerriers. Toujours honorés de les recevoir. Bonne chance pour la suite. Fr@nce

[@TheChrisraynald]

Tim, no need to apologize, a day after is absolutely fine. Thank you for your passion of rugby, coming through in all your videos. Emotional Haka indeed! This was an incredible game, I thought the blacks actually deserved the win more, played more open rugby on the day! But I was impressed with the maturity of the French team. Never panicked, seems they have learned from the disappointment last year. Let’s see how they do this weekend!

[@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp]

As an old French fan who was already watching rugby matches when Jean Pierre Rives was still les bleus open side flanker I used to be jealous of Welsh, Scottish or Irish crowds. Compared to the “Land of my fathers” at Arms park or the Flowers of Scotland our loosy Marseillaise rendition was just a national disgrace and I was always pissed by the booing and the lack of respect for our opponents. Could it be that 2024 olympic spirit is there to stay?!? The Marseillaise yesterday, the staging of haka and the repect of the Stade de France gives to yesterday’s victory an even better taste.

[@jukeseyable]

if you are still feeling bad, then can we have Shaun Edwards back please, 🤣 greetings from Wales

[@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp]

@@jukeseyable No way, my friend!!! 😃

[@jukeseyable]

@@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp im not sure we can be friends then, 🤣, unless you beat the English, then we can definitely be friends

[@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp]

@@jukeseyable 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@rogerpancake6803]

Tim ..truly excellent work . Love watching and listening ..thanks Tim

[@michelgandilhon6613]

The French team built its victory on a ferocious defense. As witnessed by the third try, when the black waves broke and were countered by the genius of Ramos' play and the speed of Bielle-Biarrey. The latter was extraordinary in both attack and defense. Otherwise, New Zealand have an impressively powerful team with a bright future ahead of them.

[@edouardmontfort7816]

Boudehent also very good yesterday night. Player in shape of the moment.

[@baptisteheraly196]

Damn I love so much your analysis mate. So objective, balanced, deep dive, focused on sport beauty with understanding of underlying tactics. Really enjoy each of them. Greetigns from a french happy supporter

[@stevenbalderstone709]

Agree, that was a great event, a real showcase for the sport. As a NZer, a little disappointment with the result, but overall significant positives for a team playing their 3rd tier-one away-game in three weeks at the very end of the season. Great effort boys, the new generation team is looking very promising.

[@Razzle-se9dw]

Exactly. People seem to overlook that this was the third tough test in a row against a French side with relatively fresh legs. It certainly showed in the second half when the ABs ran out of puff and made unforced errors.

[@pundupundus]

Appreciate your intelligent unbiased view and clear love of the game. What a test match! Respect to both teams. The future for both looks bright, but must sort out the inconsistent refereeing and TMO overkill in the game we love

[@valeriebianco4505]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. A big thank you from France.

[@83unsui]

I'm French, and of course happy, but the game I enjoyed most was England vs Australia last week. As for yesterday game, I think the All Blacks were surprised to be so dominant at scrums and to have so much possession, so they (maybe unconsciencely) became too confident. For example they should have used more kicking game.

[@ryansmith2553]

I can tell you the biggest talking points in New Zealand after the game was why Scott Barrett went for the 3 points right at the end, and also why Cam Roigard was taken off in the 50th minuet. A noticeable dip in performance when Cortez came on.

[@vincentl8057]

roigard was excellent but maybe he simply did not have more than 50mn to give physicaly... after all, I think he was just back from injury... if he confirms to be the talent we think he is, it is not a bad idea to use him carrefully

[@ryansmith2553]

Potentially, but he didn’t appear fatigued at all. Considering he was playing so well it came across as an odd decision at the very least. We’ll see what happens next week against Italy

[@samuelcecil9273]

Ah Tim … it was 3 tries to 2 not four tries and as well as that we were four points behind and not Five or at least that’s how I remembered it but as we lost I can’t relive any more of that but lots to love about the French boys and we are stuck behind them and SA But love your summaries, glad you had a great day out and I was able to see your review Monday morning before many others

[@vitamingreen4815]

Definitely the game of the year. I was rooting for the All blacks but, well done France. The All blacks are back, though, in my view. Very exciting.

[@MU-TH-UR]

Both sides will come out of this game with lots of positives and some points made i think. For NZ, from 1 to 8, With Sititi at 8 and Savea at 7 it is pure FIRE, best counters in touch and a fearsome Scrum. Roigard has to start every game. Ioane isn't a proper 13. As For us Frenchies, Boudehent has cemented his place in the team. Him and Roumat are the future. Buros looks solid (strong under high balls) and might be the 15 we need with Ramos covering both 10 and 15 Until Ntamack's Return. Louis BB is now our new 11. Some problems at center, Hopefully Depoortère comes back soon from injury. With Louis BB, Penaud, Buros and Depoortère, we could have a full UBB backline run by a ST halfback Duo.

[@Camcolito]

"The team that scores more tries usually goes on to win the game" - Eggchasers Rugby Analytics ;)

[@olivierarnaud-freaud6369]

As a Frenchman I’m biased but I agree that these FR NZ games are the best: speed, risk, skills, they put in the game all that we like for entertainment :-) Tim: not a word for LBB ? Isn’t he the only winger whose speed can match that of South African wingers ? :-)

[@readesiun988]

Well said, he was super quick

[@benjamindewes2345]

2 teams playing to their cultural DNA. Rugby done right. Pains me to say it but I put money on the French to win, they're in a golden period right now.

[@johnharris4474]

A big acknowledgement to Our Coach Scott razor Robetson. I 've witness his coaching through Super ....it's now building in test match arena ...... ' he' s shown instant improvement.

[@edouardmontfort7816]

1:49 totally agree. After they took the 3 points, there were still dozens of phases of play to come. A single penalty in the french half and the game was won. The decision made had its rationale, especially given NZ had 60% possession and spent 1 hour without scoring a try.

[@CROM-on1bz]

However, in the end it was NZ who were under pressure in their 22 and who could have cracked at any moment, I think that fortunately the referee blew the final whistle.

[@joedennehy386]

I thought it was a dumb decision, we had to try and win the game, and we didn't.

[@joedennehy386]

​@@CROM-on1bzwhat a silly thing to say, may as well lose by a million as 1.

[@CROM-on1bz]

@@joedennehy386 Are you aware that your comment is meaningless?

[@greenplasticgun]

That game was nuts. Well done to all involved.

[@thejambonify]

completely subscribe to your analysis, spot on, AB the better team on the night but didn't convert... what a plot, what a suspense at the end, what an emotion ! and you didn't even mention Dupont ;)

[@pdublt3d]

Another great game from these two teams. It's frustrating to see the ABs loose another close one, but the French played well, so I can't be mad about that. Still things to work on for the ABs, but they are clearly moving in the right direction. Well done the French team!

[@JonnyChronnic]

Best sporting entertainment you can ever get 🎉 what a great game 🎯🏉 ABS don't have leadership, Fitzpatrick MCcaw, Read never loose that game!

[@west1329]

I wouldn't say best game of the year, but definitely one of them. We can without a doubt say, it's been a great year of Rugby thus far.

[@jaykaye594]

Tim had himself a big night out last night. Good man Tim.

[@morningchblossom2485]

You are absolutely correct throughout the whole video. That’s why I liked it 👍

[@jeddewit4479]

The frech remember there's alot of kiwis buried in France

[@neilstanley5565]

Well said my friend.

[@marco-dn7kd]

The audience share on the French TV has reached 37,4% with 7.3 millions with a peak at 8.3. This is a record for a test match The Rugby records are - RWC semi final France/England 2007 with 18.3 millions - RWC quarter final France/New Zealand 2007 16.6 - RWC quarter final France/South Africa 2023 16.5 - RWC final France /New Zealand 2011 15.4 - RWC France/New Zealand 2023 15.4 In the 2023 6 Nations with the French XV the average was of 6,2 millions for a share of 45,6%. For the whole tournament games except France the average is 2,6 millions for 22,3%. Even far from the football records, Rugby is still very popular in France and this kind of game is an excellent publicity indeed !

[@drh02]

As a kiwi, we just seemed to push the pass and waste opportunities. France are deadly. That young winger has some wheels.

[@wauzer1]

As a Springbok supporter, I envy the All Blacks' schedule during November. I know we played 2 tests in SA earlier in the year against Ireland, but I would have thought that teams would have lined up to try and beat SA, at all costs. And they can grow their own game by beating Rassie, so even though NZ lost, they have gained so much insight in their fixtures already.

[@jacobh1867]

Interesting. As a Kiwi I looked at the short November schedule for the Boks and wished the AB's just had the three games instead of five. But the NZR are money obsessed so they seem to make every season longer and longer. I'd actually rather each SH country played a 3 match series against one NH side each end of season tour. The NH sides turn up, play two games against the same opponent and then go home, the SH sides have longer 'tours', against a different opponent on their home ground every week. Seems the SH sides have a tougher 'tour' than the NH manage, which is over in little over a week.

[@bruceradburnd4496]

Tim, the average age of this AB’s team was 24. Have some young talent yet to come. And some talent coming back in the next two years. AB’s will be soo good in a few years time.

[@markthompson7817]

Perfect Tim, if it works no one critiques it, if it doesn’t work all hell breaks lose.

[@kropotkine9640]

Agree with you on the Champions cup final being the best game of the year. It was an incredible 100 minutes long battle

[@gerryrafferty7500]

Leinster fan here “ alley les blue”

[@izizovitch]

Always appreciate your breakdowns and hot takes. 👌👍

[@perfectdayz]

Thank you France enjoy the win a great game and a great fanbase well done french rugby

[@styx2470]

Glad to know neutrals enjoyed this game. I never know if I like France matchs just because I'm french or because the game was good

[@CROM-on1bz]

Maybe a bit of both?

[@styx2470]

@@CROM-on1bz probably :)

[@rory7590]

Fans always seem to focus on the last few minutes of the match but it is recency bias. The game was lost really when France got the break away try after the NZ attack broke down in the third quarter. It meant that NZ ceded control of the scoreboard and were playing catch up in the last quarter. The French defense was too dominant to allow easy territory, so it was all speculative about the best strategy to win (rather than merely concede a 1 point loss). For NZ, I think they were disrupted by losing Finau early on. Lakai was terrific but the loose forwards were all quite similar and Finau offered a point of difference. He was equipped to stop some of the bigger France forwards running at them and alter the gain line conflict more in NZs favour. They could also dominate the lineout more than they did. Indeed, they could have pushed Barrett to the Blindside to stack the lineout in the last 15 minutes - and this may have given them more ammunition to dominate the lineout in the closing stages. They will finish this year where they started - 3rd in the World - but now it is behind South Africa and France. Ireland rugby is in decline currently, even if the official World Rankings don't show it - and I genuinely wonder if British rugby is in decline too. New Zealand has to keep improving, regardless, in a competitive field. They do have more players left at home or coming through, so they remain a work in progress. After playing 14 tests this year against practically all the top teams in world rugby (except Scotland) they now have a clear understanding of what it takes to get to the top at least. I don't necessarily agree that 'France are going to get better'. I think this was France at their best in many ways. They certainly played better than at any other stage this year. Their selection is very inconsistent. Saying that France will be sending a 'B' team, regardless of anything about 'respect', merely illustrates this point - France rarely seem to play the same team twice. In a nutshell, they have the biggest, most monstrous pack in World rugby - even bigger than the Springboks. If you couple this with genuine footballing ability to create and score tries, and the nous to change tactics when they need to, they are totally formidable. Unfortunately for them, they still aren't World Champions. That must hurt - they ARE good enough.

[@vincentl8057]

and we have Craig Joubert to thank for that...

[@rory7590]

@@vincentl8057Craig Joubert retired in 2016. Why do you have to thank him?

[@vincentl8057]

@@rory7590 we are still not world champions thanks to that ref and his corrupt performance in the 2011 final... we had other chances to become world champions and blew them ourselves but that one still hurts as it was plain and obvious to all that the champions was decided before the game started.

[@rory7590]

@@vincentl8057 Oh, well, if that is what you are thinking then let me point out that this is a pathetic attitude that only losers have.

[@rory7590]

@@vincentl8057 Pathetic answer.

[@raboinca2990]

Very interesting video as usual. Thanks.

[@nicakill00]

What strikes since the last rwc is how close final scores are not matter which top 4 teams are playing. How many 1 point games? We should enjoy as much as we can this era of rugby and hope England, Australia and maybe Scotland can join the fight from here to 2027

[@sekoundiaye3239]

Amen!

[@tomsemmens6275]

Fabulous game. That bizarre "crocodile roll" penalty against NZ out of nowhere at an absolutely critical moment from a French TMO reeked to high heaven mind.

[@clementbatut4053]

If you want to complain about the ref, you may want to check 1st how Jordan escaped à yellow despite an obvious deliberate knock on, and how Lomax escaped a red despite throwing 2 punches... AB's were very "lucky" but always manage to complain

[@KingiRui]

@@clementbatut4053Jordan made an obvious attempt to catch the ball, only a yellow if he deliberately tried to knock it on. I’ll have to rewatch the game because I didn’t see the “2 puches”by Lomax.

[@ryansmith2553]

@@clementbatut4053 Jordan was looking at the ball making a deliberate attempt to catch it, how can you say that's an 'obvious deliberate knock on'? Please differentiate what you consider an attempt to catch the ball. And at what point did Lomax start throwing punches? I'd be keen to go back and see because it's the first I've heard of it.

[@tomsemmens6275]

@@clementbatut4053 I am not complaining about the referee, he was ok. I am just saying that in any other sport a sudden TMO intervention like that at a critucal stage of the game might cause a bit of muttering about match fixing.

[@clementbatut4053]

@@KingiRui you call à volley-ball one hand smash à legit attempt to catch the ball ? And for Lomax it was at the 11th minute, Meafou was on the ground and Lomax clearly throws 2 punches that are ignored by ref and tmo. Meafou, not being an irish fly half doesn't roll around holding his face, but maybe he should have

[@florisslabber1758]

Yip Tim. Agree. This game was awesome.