Fullback Maxime Medard scored a late intercept try to help France to a 27-22 victory against New Zealand at Carisbrook in Dunedin, New Zealand, yesterday.
Medard stepped up to grab Luke McAlister’s pass during an All Blacks attack and ran 60m untouched to give his side a 10-point margin with nine minutes remaining.
While New Zealand center Ma’a Nonu scored with less than five minutes left to bring the hosts within five points, the French held on to the ball and kicked deep into New Zealand territory to ensure the All Blacks could not snatch a late comeback win.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Medard’s try was a product of the pressure they had created with their defense as the All Blacks tried increasingly audacious backline moves in attempts to create gaps in the French line.
France flyhalf Francois Trinh-Duc broke through four tacklers down the blindside from an attacking scrum to score the opening try, which Julien Dupuy converted.
France’s second try came from another All Blacks error when Liam Messam missed a tackle on Louis Picamoles while chasing his own kick and the French quickly moved the ball to the opposite wing.
Although Donald and Nonu produced two desperate cover tackles, the French had enough numbers and hooker William Servat barreled over close to a ruck. Dupuy’s conversion gave the visitors a 17-3 lead.
Donald reduced the deficit with his second penalty with less than three minutes remaining in the first half, but New Zealand were not done yet.
Scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan received the ball from the restart and chipped ahead. Winger Cory Jane gathered it up and ran 40m before feeding Messam, who touched down after the halftime hooter had sounded.
Donald added two penalties to tie the score at 17-17 before Dupuy added his second penalty and Medard’s late try put the result beyond doubt.
■AUSTRALIA V ITALY
REUTERS, CANBERRA
Teenage fullback James O’Connor celebrated his first full test appearance with a hat-trick of tries in Australia’s 31-8 win over Italy yesterday.
The 18-year-old made a dream start to his first run-on match for the Wallabies, scoring his opening try in the fourth minute and later crossing twice more.
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