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All Blacks fall to France in nailbiter


The All Blacks have lost a tight match to France in Paris after the home side staged a comeback victory.


Scott Robertson's side, who defeated England and Ireland in their opening two northern hemisphere matches, fell 30-29, their third consecutive loss to Les Bleus at Stade de France on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time).


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The All Blacks cancelled out Thomas Ramos' early penalty to score two first-half tries.


Replacement loose forward Peter Lakai powered over for his first international try early on the field for the injured Samipeni Finau.


Halfback Cam Roigard then stole a Gregory Alldritt's pass to extend the visitors' advantage. within 30 minutes.


The hosts, who struggled with their scrum and line-out in the first half, reduced their deficit through debutant Romain Buros, with the ABs up 17-10 at halftime.


The All Blacks have lost a tight match to France at Stade de France in Paris 29-30 after the home side staged a comeback victory.
All Blacks loose forward Ardie Savea tries to struggle his way through a tackle in the lose to France in Paris. PHOTO: ALL BLACKS

Paul Boudehent then showed plenty of power for a try from a line-out early in the second half, before 21-year-old Louis Bielle-Biarrey showed his pace as he raced on to Ramos' kick to grab a ninth international try.


Replacement first-five Damian McKenzie boot proved to be the difference in Dublin on Friday and he kicked four penalties to keep the All Blacks in touch in Paris.


McKenzie was on in a backline reshuffle after Jordie Barrett appeared to suffer an HIA and Will Jordan picked up an injury while Roigard was subbed for Cortez Ratima.



However, Ramos proved equally as clinical off the tee with 15 points to vindicate his selection over Matthieu Jalibert.


The All Blacks continued to attack late in the game, but a dropped pass and some questionable decision make didn't help their cause.


Robertson and his French rival Fabien Galthie will no doubt be having their own reviews of the referee and TMO influence on the match.


France 30 (Romain Buros, Paul Boudehent, Louis Bielle-Biarrey tries; Thomas Ramos 3 con, 3 pen) All Blacks 29 (Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard tries; Beauden Barrett 2 con, pen, Damian McKenzie 4 pen). HT: 10-17

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