The All Blacks Launch Dave Rennie's Era with a Nail-Biting 34-32 Win Over France
The All Blacks secured a tense 34-32 victory over France in Christchurch on July 4, 2026, marking the start of Dave Rennie's tenure as head coach. The match, the opening fixture of the inaugural Nations Championship, unfolded as a nine-try thriller at One New Zealand Stadium, showcasing both promise and areas for refinement under the new leadership.
France struck first with an early try from Damian Penaud, but New Zealand responded with tries from Will Jordan (twice), Cam Roigard (twice), and Peter Lakai. Ruben Love added three conversions and a penalty. France fought back with tries from Penaud, Antoine Hastoy, Théo Attissogbé, and Matthieu Jalibert, but the All Blacks held on in a helter-skelter contest.
Background: Rennie's Appointment and Preparations
Dave Rennie took over as All Blacks head coach following a competitive selection process. With limited time—only 10 days and six training sessions—to prepare his first squad, Rennie focused on blending experience with emerging talent. The squad included several players making their Test debuts or returning from injury, setting the stage for an ambitious new chapter in New Zealand rugby.
The Nations Championship represents a fresh format for international rugby, bringing together top nations in a competitive window ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. This opener against a Six Nations champion France side, albeit one missing some first-choice players, provided an ideal test of Rennie's vision.
Key Moments from the Match
The game exploded into life almost immediately. France capitalised on early pressure with Penaud's opening try. New Zealand steadied through Jordan's finishing ability and Roigard's sharp distribution from the base of the scrum. Lakai's contribution in the loose added physicality and momentum.
France mounted a strong comeback in the second half, narrowing the gap to just two points late on. Defensive resilience from the All Blacks, combined with Love's accurate kicking, proved decisive in the closing stages. The atmosphere at the new Christchurch venue added to the occasion, with fans witnessing an instant classic.
Player Performances and Standouts
Will Jordan's brace highlighted his clinical finishing, while Cam Roigard impressed with his speed and decision-making. Ardie Savea, captaining the side, provided leadership and carrying threat. Ruben Love's composure at first five-eighths was notable in his elevated role.
For France, the attacking flair from players like Jalibert and Penaud kept the contest alive. Their ability to score from broken play tested New Zealand's defensive structures throughout.
Debutants on the bench, including Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo, added depth and will be watched closely in coming weeks.
Reactions from Rennie and the Squad
Post-match, Rennie expressed relief at securing the win in his debut outing. He noted the team's rustiness after the long off-season but praised the character shown in holding off France's late surge. Captain Ardie Savea echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of starting the campaign strongly while identifying areas like breakdown work and set-piece accuracy for improvement.
Players highlighted the positive energy in the camp and the excitement of competing in the new Nations Championship format.
Broader Context: New Zealand Rugby Landscape
This victory comes at a pivotal time for New Zealand rugby. Domestic competitions like Super Rugby Pacific continue to develop talent pipelines, while the national side aims to reclaim consistent dominance on the world stage. The narrow margin against France underscores the fine margins at Test level and the need for ongoing evolution in playing style and squad management.
Christchurch's new stadium hosted its first major All Blacks Test, boosting local engagement and showcasing the region's passion for the game.
Implications for the Nations Championship and Beyond
The result gives New Zealand an early lead in the competition and momentum heading into subsequent fixtures. Rennie's approach appears to favour an expansive, attacking brand while maintaining the trademark All Blacks physicality and defensive intensity.
With the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the horizon, this debut performance offers valuable data points on combinations, bench impact, and high-pressure execution. France, despite the loss, demonstrated their threat and will likely regroup strongly for their next outing.
Fan and Media Perspectives
Supporters celebrated the thrilling nature of the contest, with social media buzzing about the nine tries and the dramatic finish. Many noted the entertaining spectacle as a positive sign for the new era, while others pointed to discipline and execution as areas requiring attention.
International coverage highlighted the competitiveness of the match and Rennie's calm leadership in his first outing.
Photo by Alex Nemo Hanse on Unsplash
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Future Tests will test Rennie's squad against stronger French lineups and other tier-one nations. Key focuses include refining the attack under the new coaching staff, integrating more young players, and maintaining fitness across a demanding schedule.
The win provides a foundation, but consistency will be essential. Opportunities exist to build on the positive elements from Christchurch while addressing the rust evident in the opening stages.
Conclusion: A Promising Start
The All Blacks' 34-32 triumph over France delivered exactly the kind of tense, high-quality encounter expected from two rugby powerhouses. Dave Rennie's coaching debut is off to a winning start, setting an exciting tone for the Nations Championship and the seasons ahead. New Zealand rugby fans have reason for optimism as the team navigates this transitional yet promising phase.