Rugby Test Match 2004 - France vs New Zealand

November 27, 2004 - Stade de France, Paris

[@rory7590]

This was, in my view, one of the greatest test performances of any All Blacks team in living memory. The All Blacks were being written about as being in decline and weak at the time - mainly by British scribes - while this French team were actually considered to be in the top two teams in the world at the time. It was a massive statement by the ABs that they were back to their absolute dominant best. One player I think they missed in the years that followed was Norm Maxwell, who really came into his own as a dynamic pack leader in this match. Sadly, the collective and ongoing injuries sustained to his body stopped his further career in their tracks, but I am willing to bet that the ABs would have been stronger and won the 2007 WC had he remained at the heart of the pack. While he was replaced with Ali Williams, who was larger but less aggressive in the tackle, the pack was was never quite so gritty and mongrel-like when he left. His loss, was the ABs loss.

[@liamholton8937]

The best part was definitely the haka. Umaga commanded that haka like an army sergeant preparing his troops for the war. Goosebumps!

[@panikahukiwa347]

Tana with the post match interview. Absolute Gold

[@pat1589]

One of my favourite tests. Not lollipop rugby, tough. Imagine this forward pack against the 2021All Black model. The 2004 pack would smash them.

[@naughtyjonah]

I still say this is my favourite game of all time. The mighty all blacks breaking a front row is fantastic

[@pat1589]

100% couldn't agree more.

[@philbyd]

Great to see these old games: thanks for posting

[@hutja727]

really appreciate the upload. this test was the start of a good thing

[@thekububeach]

France vs All Blacks in Stade de France is always spectacular. The national anthems, the haka, french rugby fans. Always an experience.

[@aljochops5260]

This is my favorite match, i was born that day

[@Alcestis2828]

Thanks for the upload - especially with the NZ commentary. I only had the French!

[@davidanderson4091]

Great game to watch... RIP Jerry Collins

[@saintjust2]

J'ai très souvent vu les All Blacks gagner, souvent avec la manière, assez souvent même avec l'impression de toute-puissance propre à cette équipe unique; mais rarement j'ai eu cette impression-là d'absolu: le Plaisir dans son sens le plus intense, le Bonheur de contempler un match de rugby: ces gens-là sont des demi-dieux!..

[@Ck-ps5kz]

what a memories ! i remember of this as it was yesterday! and i have a special tought for Tony Marsh who represented France against his natal team ! i don't understand why all blacks have never wanted him but it was good for us

[@paulbismuth10]

It's a pleasure to watch this old test. We got spanked on that day ( and on so many more v NZ) but to see them smoothly operate is pure bliss. And all this stars on both sides...

[@user-ki1vb2rt1e]

This is probably the best all black jersey of all time.

[@briankoelling1061]

Great match Thanks for the video.

[@Tangaloa1]

Bloody awesome mate. Cheers for this upload.

[@petelosuaniu]

This was the test that Dan Carter came of age and took that 10 jersey permanently. Up until then he’d been in and out and playing 12 as much as 10, with Mehrtens & Spencer still around. After this test, the other two retired. The baton was well and truly passed to Dan Carter. Also, prior to this match, the English media had been labelling the All blacks forwards as powderpuff, especially Stephen Jones (welsh but really English). However, they came out and demolished the French forwards who were the best pack in Europe that year. Earlier that year they’d dealt to the world champion English. The English media shut their gobs after this match.

[@mrcruzi]

I miss Jerry Collins

[@Brokela]

Marshall Somervell RIP to the big man

[@scrumhalforegon]

Great stuff! What is Mexted doing these days with Justin Marshall doing the commentary?

[@ronnyinjeni4157]

UMAGA ment business, that was a roar sure sent down a cold chill down Le Blues spines.

[@grassman9622]

Jesus Christ. They could do the hokey pokey and it would be intimidating as shit.

[@TheForge10]

1999 and 2007 WC , ABs teams best and strongest and yet still came undone. Poor selection I think. 1999 Hart had Cullen at center. 2007 Henry had the worlds best 2nd 5 Aaron Mauger and world best winger Howlett sitting in the stands because he thought France would be a push over. Put your best team on the paddock game in game out.

[@Caryutunarkzew]

and muliaina was centre like wtf?>?

[@tyonamin]

@@Caryutunarkzew Cullen, McDonald, Muliaina and Toeava all played at 13 for the ABs at some point. I'm not sure if it's some sort of trend in NZ rugby but it hasn't worked out too well.

[@davsavchav]

Have you got England vs All Blacks from 2009? Thanks

[@bertplank8011]

One thing is for sure...the AB's will be lucky to make the semi final in Paris ....

[@nikorwhittle3188]

What was the score again ??? I missed it

[@rabbitss1140]

now you know the feeling

[@rbjohmson77]

OK I am a kiwi and I am loving the big win but I have to admit that our commentators are just a smidge one eyed!

[@omongottonny]

its too good

[@thadtuiol1717]

RIP Jerry Collins

[@bertplank8011]

Mils Woolly-Hyena had a good game that's for sure.

[@sebastiontyme8256]

I remember this game it all started with that memorable haka then slight tussle then the systematic dismantleling of the French oh and the fucked up decision making of the Irish ref!

[@charliejohnson3190]

looking for australia vs France 2004? someone?

[@corriedebeer799]

so much better when the srums dont take two minutes.

[@mariomarquez8816]

excelent mach

[@ringadingding5248]

Mate, the AB forwards put the hurt on bad in this test. The French were a broken mess by half time. Dismantled. Collins like a wrecking ball. Carter like a sniper.

[@mapachehombre1581]

49.55 not sure about this ref with the French name

[@arcyfelix]

Start Haka: 06:25

[@Tangaloa1]

quite down and run along son.

[@yannickibarra1848]

see you saturday in france... and joubert is not the referee!!! ;)

[@shanowilliams9851]

yep french front row..got broken.......

[@noelsonfabricenomenjanahar5130]

ils sont forts c'est black

[@karinthiebaud904]

Terribly biased and disrespectful commentators, for your knowledge the in-goals areas are the same for both ,poitrenaud isn't responsible for how awkward a rugby ball bounce and rucking is on the ball not the player who's clearly not on the ball. Go to bath if you want to see small in-goals areas.

[@apgwilym]

These commentators seem very pro all black.

[@paulbismuth10]

I don't really mind in this fixture. But they insist on the Irish ref being of french origine when it doesn't go they're way, imagine the decades of frustration from french players and fans in a sport dominated by english speaking refs. Sometimes unconscious bias gave us hard time on the pitch.

[@johanvanwyk5358]

L

[@fahdak774]

New Zealand is great country in producing sheep and rugby players

[@AFLI8D]

France good at producing bridesmaids 1987/1999/2011 😂.

[@fcscreen]

Yop

[@fcscreen]

Yours

[@nathankirkham6434]

just stop

[@stephenbrown6743]

The all blacks stamping again. And they think it's ok to do that just ask JPR Williams

[@prac2]

kelleher is soooo slow compared to aaron smith and tj perenara

[@warren52nz]

Even biased refereeing can't save France.

[@ajb7775]

Well, that was a load of boring rubbish. it's a good job none of those people actually PAID for a ticket to get in!