France secure historic win in NZ
New Zealand (11) 22
Tries: Messam, Nonu Pens: Donald 4
France (17) 27
Tries: Trinh-Duc, Servat, Medard Cons: Dupuy 3 Pens: Dupuy 2
France clinched their first win in New Zealand since 1994 - and only their fourth overall - as they beat the All Blacks in the first Test in Dunedin.
The injury-hit All Blacks were 17-3 behind after only 27 minutes, fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc and hooker William Servat scoring tries.
New Zealand responded with a try from number eight Liam Messam and three penalties from Stephen Donald.
But an intercept try from full-back Maxime Medard sealed a famous victory.
New Zealand centre Ma'a Nonu scored late on but France managed to hold on.
"It was very tough," said French captain Thierry Dusautoir. "We were very nervous before the match but we gave our all and won. We are very proud.
"Our defence was good but we also scored three tries, which is very important against the All Blacks. We are going to enjoy this victory and prepare again for next week."
New Zealand were without Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter, Ali Williams, Rodney So'oialo, Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu and a host of others and the French, led by Pascal Pape, William Servat and Dusautoir, exposed the All Blacks forwards in an explosive opening.
Fly-half Trinh-Duc scored the first try when he broke through four tacklers down the blind-side after an attacking scrum before Messam's missed tackle led to Servat bundling over.
Donald reduced the arrears with his second penalty while Cory Jane picked up Jimmy Cowan's kick to run 40m and play in Messam just before the break.
The All Blacks dominated territory and possession for much of the second half but they turned over too much ball and made too many handling errors for the pressure to count.
Donald's boot brought the score back to 17-17 but Medard's try, as the All Blacks tried to create gaps in the France defence, put the result beyond doubt.
The teams meet again for the second Test in Wellington on 20 June.
New Zealand: Muliaina (captain); Rokocoko, Toeava, Nonu, Wulf; Donald, Cowan; Woodcock, Hore, Tialata, Thorn, Ross, Read, Thomson, Messam.
Replacements: Mealamu, Afoa, B Evans, Latimer, Weepu, McAlister, Jane.
France: Medard; Heymans, Bastareaud, Traille, Clerc; Trinh-Duc, Dupuy; Barcella, Servat, Marconnet, Pape, Millo-Chluski, Dusautoir (captain), Ouedraogo, Picamoles.
Replacements: Szarzewski, Domingo, Chabal, Martin, Yachvili, Jauzion, Palisson.
Referee: George Clancy (Ire)
