The historic rugby rivalry between New Zealand and France reached a thrilling crescendo this weekend as the All Blacks secured a commanding 43-17 victory in the second test at Wellington's Sky Stadium on Saturday, July 12, 2025. This emphatic win not only clinched the three-match Lipovitan-D July series for New Zealand but also highlighted the depth and skill of Scott Robertson's squad, who dominated for long stretches against a spirited French side.
Coming off a narrow 31-27 victory in the series opener in Dunedin, the All Blacks faced mounting pressure to assert their dominance and wrap up the series with a second win. Under the guidance of new head coach Scott Robertson, New Zealand leaned heavily on a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent to deliver a performance that was both clinical and commanding.
The match began with an evenly contested opening, but it was New Zealand who struck first. Beauden Barrett opened the scoring with a penalty at the 8th minute after France's Nicolas Depoortère was penalized for offside. Just five minutes later, the All Blacks showcased their set-piece prowess with a brilliant lineout move that culminated in scrum-half Cam Roigard darting around the blindside to score the opening try. This early score set the tone for what would become a dominant display.
The All Blacks' forward pack was relentless, driving France deep into their territory. Ardie Savea, the captain and hometown hero, was instrumental in orchestrating the pressure, setting up Roigard's try and later crossing the line himself from a powerful maul. Savea's influence was undeniable, earning him a player rating of 9.5 for his leadership, work rate, and key contributions throughout the match.
Hooker Codie Taylor was another standout performer, receiving a remarkable 9 out of 10 rating. Taylor's lineout execution was flawless, and he scored the All Blacks' third try with a rolling maul that left the French defense scrambling. His relentless engine and physicality in the tight exchanges were pivotal in establishing New Zealand's dominance in the first half.
Despite the All Blacks being reduced to 14 men in the 15th minute due to a yellow card shown to Beauden Barrett for deliberately knocking down a French pass, New Zealand maintained composure. France capitalized with a penalty from Nolann Le Garrec, narrowing the gap to 10-3. However, France's momentum was short-lived as Joshua Brennan was sent to the sin bin in the 28th minute for a dangerous tip tackle on Jordie Barrett, giving New Zealand a numerical advantage they exploited fully.
New Zealand surged ahead with two further tries before halftime. Tupou Vaa’i, who topped the tackle count in the first half, scored a spectacular try following a slick passing sequence that involved multiple players. The halftime score stood at a commanding 29-3 in favor of the All Blacks, effectively putting the match out of reach for the French.
The second half saw France attempt a resurgence, with Léo Barré crossing for their first try eight minutes after the break. Yet, the All Blacks remained unfazed. Will Jordan, who notched his 41st Test try with a burst onto a Barrett pass, and Rieko Ioane, finishing a well-timed move in the left corner, extended New Zealand’s lead further. Jordie Barrett, despite going off temporarily for a head injury assessment, returned to assist Ioane's try, showcasing the depth of talent in the squad.
France managed a late consolation try from Brennan, but the day belonged to the All Blacks, who outscored their opponents six tries to two. Beauden Barrett contributed four conversions and a penalty, while Jordie Barrett added a two-pointer, rounding off the scoring for New Zealand.
The match was witnessed by a passionate crowd of 33,872 fans at Sky Stadium, with referee Christophe Ridley overseeing the proceedings alongside assistants Nic Berry and Takehito Namekawa. The All Blacks’ forward dominance, tactical kicking, and clinical finishing were too much for a youthful French side, which fielded five uncapped players across the series and showed flashes of promise despite the scoreline.
Player ratings reflected the All Blacks’ superiority. Ethan de Groot anchored the scrum with steady work, earning a 6.5, while Patrick Tuipulotu impressed with his imposing presence and lineout steals, rated 8. Christian Lio-Willie and Billy Proctor contributed solidly in the loose, with Proctor’s defensive efforts noted as crucial in stifling French attacks. On the backs, Cam Roigard’s clever box kicking and sniping runs earned him an 8.5, while Will Jordan’s defensive saves and attacking bursts merited a 6.5.
France, led by Fabien Galthié, demonstrated resilience and attacking flair, particularly in broken play and at the breakdown, but were ultimately outmatched by the All Blacks’ experience and execution. The inclusion of five debutants across the series highlighted a transitional phase for Les Bleus, who will look to build on these performances in upcoming fixtures.
With this win, New Zealand not only secured the series 2-0 but also sent a strong message ahead of the upcoming international fixtures. Coach Scott Robertson praised his team’s efforts, noting the importance of maintaining focus and discipline, especially after the yellow card setback. The All Blacks’ blend of veteran savvy and youthful exuberance appears to be a potent formula moving forward.
As the series now moves to its final test, France will be eager to salvage pride and register a win on New Zealand soil, while the All Blacks will aim to complete a clean sweep and continue their ascent in the World Rugby Rankings, where they currently sit second behind South Africa.
This weekend’s match was a masterclass in rugby union, blending physicality, skill, and strategic nous. For fans of the sport, the New Zealand versus France rivalry delivered once again, promising more thrilling encounters in the future.
