Coach Scott Robertson was pleased with the All Blacks’ fightback from 10 points down to seal a 29-19 third Test win over France.
New Zealand took the lead for the first time with only 20 minutes remaining in Hamilton as an understrength France faded in their last game of a long season, eventually conceding four tries to one.
Robertson commended the “gallant” performance of the tourists, who had left most of their best players at home.
“They’ve come over here to our beautiful winter and put on a performance like that. They’d be very proud,” Robertson told reporters.
“We’ll be better for the experience as a group. Ten points down at one stage and we found a way, played some really good footy and we’re better for it.”
RECAP: Unconvincing All Blacks hold off France
France’s bigger forward pack and greater physical commitment helped them dominate the first half.
The visitors led 10-0 early and then 19-10 on the stroke of half time before centre Anton Lienert-Brown scored a key try to reduce the deficit at the break to two points.
The hosts played with greater energy in the second half, keeping France scoreless and creating tries for forwards Du’Plessis Kirifi and Brodie McAlister, who were both making their first Test starts.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea admitted his side, featuring 10 starting changes, were caught off guard.
“We got kind of punched in the nose in the first half and then, you know, we came back in the second,” he said. “We were able to build phases and build pressure. We converted it into points.”
The victory sealed a series in which France were highly competitive despite their depleted squad.
They lost a combative first Test 31-27 in Dunedin but were well beaten 41-17 in the second Test in Wellington.
“I’m really proud of the boys, the effort we put in today,” said France lock Joshua Brennan. “It’s a shame we lost but we played against a great All Blacks team and I’m just proud of the performance.”
“These last two weeks, the way we’ve evolved our rugby as well, I’m really proud.”
New Zealand have swept all five three-match series between the sides, also winning 3-0 in 1961, 1968, 2013 and 2018.
“We hung on, we were courageous, but at this level, it’s not enough unfortunately,” France wing Theo Attissogbe told Canal Plus television. “So we have to be realistic, we’re leaving with three defeats, but we’re going to continue to work hard and we’ll see what we’re lacking to reach the level of the best in the world.”
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
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