If last week’s All Blacks performance earned a C+, then this one comfortably landed a B. That B stands for building, B for much better, and B for brilliance… in patches. When the All Blacks turn it on, it’s nothing short of rugby perfection. This game was no exception – especially in the first half, where the men in black turned on a masterclass that was clinical, ruthless, and relentless.
The first 10 minutes were all about feeling each other out, but then came the shift. What followed in the next 30 minutes was as dominant as any stretch you’ll see from this team. From the 10th minute right up to halftime, the All Blacks played with intensity, precision, and flair. Contact areas? Owned. Set pieces? Smooth as silk. The decision-making? Sharp as a tack. By the 37th minute, the scoreboard read 29-3, and the game was effectively over. The French - as valiant as their effort was - had nothing to counter the All Blacks’ pace, aggression, and execution.
This wasn’t about showcasing flashy, expansive rugby. Instead, it was about sticking to basics, executing them to perfection, and piling on pressure. It was rugby with an attitude – fast, aggressive, and purposeful. The All Blacks didn’t just beat the French; they bullied them. Simply put, it was a butt-smacking.
The second half though was less efficient and effective from the All Blacks. On one hand that can be expected as maintaining that level in the first 40 minutes for the full 80 is nearly impossible. But some of the errors most certainly could have been avoided. It was a 14-all second-half – a very small silver lining for Les Bleus, and something just a touch frustrating for New Zealand.
Yes we can bring up the fact this isn’t France’s best team, but it doesn’t matter. You play what’s in front of you, and the All Blacks did exactly what they needed to do. A hiding is a hiding, whether it’s against their front-liners or their rising stars. And at the end of the day, 43-17 tells you everything you need to know.
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t bring up one of the more contentious calls in the test – Beauden Barrett’s first-half yellow card. Here’s the thing – that card was complete and utter BS. It wasn’t deliberate; it was reflexive. Barrett’s arm was a reaction, not an intention. And yet, there he was, sitting out for 10 minutes because of a rule that defies common sense.
Yes, the commentators quickly defended the decision, falling back on the tired old excuse of “those are the rules”, and yes it was consistent with the yellow card handed to French winger Gabin Villiere a week prior.
But fans aren’t buying it, and nor should they. Rugby’s lawmakers need to wake up. Yellow cards should be reserved for foul play or deliberate actions to gain an unfair advantage. Barrett’s knockdown was neither. Penalise it if you must, but hauling him off the field? It’s a joke, it’s anti-rugby.
That moment was a reminder of the sport’s ongoing battle against over-regulation. The spirit of the game thrives on pace, fluidity, and excitement. Lawmakers should be enabling that, not stifling it with “gotcha” officiating.
All that aside, this performance cements one truth – the All Blacks are on track. The mix of ruthlessness and refinement we saw in the first half is exactly what’s needed as they build toward the bigger tests lying ahead. Bring on the Springboks in September.
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