The All Blacks defeated France 34-32 in Christchurch on Saturday in Dave Rennie's first test as head coach, holding on through a tense finale as the visitors closed to within two points.

Almost 30,000 fans packed Te Kaha to watch a match marked by momentum swings and numerous errors and defensive lapses by the All Blacks. France, missing 9 first-choice players, took an early lead when Damian Penaud scored in the opening minutes after exploiting a defensive gap.

Early setback and response

The All Blacks began a player down after Ruben Love was yellow-carded for a high tackle as France built towards their opener. Love was making his first start at first-five.

With 14 men, New Zealand struck back through Will Jordan, who finished acrobatically in the right corner. Damian McKenzie missed the conversion with Love off the field. France kicked a penalty to lead 10-5.

Peter Lakai then scored following a pass from Caleb Clarke, with Love converting to put the hosts ahead 12-10 midway through the first half. France regained the lead through another penalty at 13-12, but Cam Roigard scored just before halftime. Love's conversion gave New Zealand a 19-13 advantage at the break.

Second-half momentum swings

Yoram Moefana scored a converted try early in the second half to put France back in front 20-19. Roigard responded with his second try, converted by Love, to restore New Zealand's lead at 26-20.

France thought they had scored again when Fabien Brau-Boirie crossed after the All Blacks dropped a high ball, but the try was disallowed for a knock-on in the build-up. Théo Attissogbé scored in the corner, with the conversion missed, leaving New Zealand ahead 26-25 with 20 minutes remaining.

The All Blacks added 3 points through a penalty to push the margin to 29-25. Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia entered as substitutes to make their test debuts.

Jordan scored his second try following a sustained period of continuity to stretch the lead to 34-25 with 10 minutes left. France refused to concede, with Matthieu Jalibert scoring from close range to bring his side within two points at 34-32, but New Zealand held possession through the final minutes.

What comes next

The All Blacks will face Italy in Wellington the following weekend.