Francois Trinh-Duc

New Zealand continued their unbeaten tour of the northern hemisphere with a comprehensive 39-12 win over France here on Saturday thanks to their commitment to a running style of rugby. The All Blacks, having already seen off Wales (19-12), Italy (20-6) and England (19-6) without really hitting second gear, showed a welcome willingness to spurn the aerial ping-pong that has marked many games of late. In return, their sure-handedness in the offload and ability to turn the slightest mistake by the French into an attacking opportunity made for some often breath-taking rugby that resulted in five tries. The visitors overcame a nervous opening 10 ... Read Full Story

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 The sides were meeting for the first time since France's victory over the All Blacks at the 2007 World Cup 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 ... Read Full Story

France capitalised on the green look of the 2009 All Blacks as they pulled off a 27-22 victory in the first rugby Test at Carisbrook here Saturday. The French stamped their mark on the game from the opening whistle and raced to a 17-3 lead before the inexperienced All Blacks forwards began to find their feet at Test level. Although the injury-ravaged home side, lacking 10 frontline Test players, fought back to even the score 17-17 in the second half, the French regrouped and took control again over the closing stages. France outscored the All Blacks by three tries to two and in the ... Read Full Story

by Luke Phillips MARSEILLE, France (AFP) -- New Zealand continued their unbeaten tour of the northern hemisphere with a comprehensive 39-12 win over France here on Saturday thanks to their commitment to a running style of rugby. The All Blacks, having already seen off Wales (19-12), Italy (20-6) and England (19-6) without really hitting second gear, showed a welcome willingness to spurn the aerial ping-pong that has marked many games of late. In return, their sure-handedness in the offload and ability to turn the slightest mistake by the French into an attacking opportunity made for some often breath-taking rugby that resulted in five tries. ... Read Full Story

France rebounded from their crushing defeat to England last week to run in seven tries in an impressive 50-8 thrashing of Italy at the Stadio Flaminio here on Saturday. The hosts were confirmed as the winners of the wooden spoon with their most comprehensive defeat of a dreadful Six Nations campaign that has seen them concede 170 points in five matches and scoring only two tries. For France Francois Trinh-Duc and Sebastien Chabal, the two primary French targets for criticism following the Twickenham debacle, were excellent. However, it was winger Maxime Medard who took the man of the match honours with two tries. "It ... Read Full Story