Les Bleus defeated three-time Webb-Ellis winners the All Blacks convincingly Friday at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb outside Paris. Two second-half tries by winger Damian Penaud in the 55th minute and replacement fullback Melvyn Jaminet in the 79th minute helped France to a 27-13 victory.
At last the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup opener. Over the years, Les Bleus and the All Blacks have met seven times in rugby world cups. Despite historic New Zealand dominance, the encounters have been unpredictable, exciting and – depending on who you support – devastating. France’s victory on Friday evening was no exception.
Two second-half tries by winger Damian Penaud in the 55th minute and replacement fullback Melvyn Jaminet in the 79th minute helped France to a 29-13 victory at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, a suburb outside Paris.
After a closely contested first half, the French got the edge because of New Zealand’s ill-discipline. The All Blacks conceded too many penalties which Thomas Ramo was able to convert. The French fullback scored 17 of France’s points with his famously accurate right foot.
More to come...
