New Zealand (8) 14 Tries: Nonu Pens: Donald 2, McAlister France (0) 10 Tries: Heymans Con: Dupuy Pen: Yachvili
Ma'a Nonu breaks away from the French defence to grab a crucial try
New Zealand overcame shocking conditions and a tired France side to win the second Test in Wellington and tie the series 1-1. Following last week's first Test loss, the All Blacks turned on the power with Ma'a Nonu grabbing the opening try. France hit back with Cedric Heymans scoring a brilliant solo effort down the left wing from 40 metres out. Kicking was tricky in the rain but Luke McAlister and Stephen Donald slotted in crucial penalties for the hosts. After their 27-22 defeat last week in Dunedin, it was a much-improved display from New Zealand who maintained a record of not having lost a home series for 15 years.
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606: DEBATE
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Despite levelling the series, their failure to win by six points or more meant France lifted the Dave Gallaher Cup for the first time. A relieved All Blacks captain Mils Muliaina said: "It was pretty ugly but we got there in the end. I'm very proud of their efforts." It was a dreadful night for goal-kicking and New Zealand's Donald missed three attempts, two penalty goals and a conversion. French half-back Julien Dupuy missed two penalty goals and Damien Traille missed a dropped goal attempt.
New Zealand: Muliaina, Jane, Smith, Nonu, Rokocoko, Donald, Cowan, Woodcock, Mealamu, Tialata, Thorn, Ross, Kaino, Latimer, Read. Replacements: de Malmanche, Afoa, Evans, Whitelock, Weepu, McAlister, Toeava. France: Medard, Clerc, Mermoz, Traille, Heymans, Trinh-Duc, Dupuy, Barcella, Servat, Mas, Chabal, Millo-Chluski, Dusautoir, Ouedraogo, Picamoles. Replacements: Szarzewski, Domingo, Martin, Chouly, Yachvili, Jauzion, Bastareaud. Referee: M Jonker (South Africa)
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