All Blacks player ratings vs France: New Zealand edge to win

Saturday, 05 July 2025 at 10:03

byRohan Cooke

All Blacks player ratings vs France as New Zealand edge to a 31-27 win against a very under-strengthened France XV

New Zealand were made to sweat in Dunedin as they scraped past a much-changed French outfit 31-27, despite outscoring their visitors four tries to three.

The All Blacks looked in control for large spells but were forced into a desperate defensive stand in the final 10 minutes, with Les Bleus threatening a late upset.

Scroll down for All Blacks player ratings vs France.

The scorers

For New Zealand
Tries: Jordan 2, Vaai, J Barrett
Cons: B Barrett 4
Pens: B Barrett

For France
Tries: Guillard, Villiere, Woki
Cons: Le Garrec 3
Pens: Segonds 2

Yellow card: Gabin Villiere (France, 54 – cynical foul, deliberate knock-on)

All Blacks player ratings vs France

Ethan De Groot – 7.5

Returns in the absence of Tamaiti Williams. Solid at scrum time against a big French pack.

Codie Taylor – 7

Solid from the veteran. Will be largely happy with the set piece tonight.

Fletcher Newell – 7

Promoted due to Lomax's injury. Used his freakish strength to deliberately bash in the loose.

Scott Barrett – 6.5

Some good heft from the skipper, although overshadowed by his debutant locking partner.

Fabian Holland – 8

Finally, the young heir is here! The rampaging lock lived up to his hype with 80 minutes of tireless work.

Tupou Vaa’i – 7

Moved to the blindside to accommodate Holland. Brought some added oomph around the contact zone.

Ardie Savea – 7.5

Not vintage, but a 7.5 for Ardie is an 8 for the rest of us mere mortals.

Chris Lio-Willie – 6

Strong display on another debut but would have liked to leave a bit more of an impact.

Cam Roigard – 9

Near faultless, as we've come to expect from the 'Canes halfback. Exceptional try-saving tackle in the second half.

Beauden Barrett – 7.5

Mixed his game well. Guilty of forcing it a couple of times, leading to errors.

Reiko Ioane – 5

Could be the start of another tough year for Ioane. Unlike the rest of his team, he was unable to have any sort of impact.

Jordie Barrett – 8.5

Back from his sojourn with Leinster. Once again, his side's backline fulcrum.

Billy Proctor – 8

Absolutely solid in tandem with his returning midfield partner.

Sevu Reece – N/A

Lasted a few seconds before a serious head injury.

Will Jordan – 7

Another brace scored. Some troubles in the air will have been frustrating.

Subs – 6.5

Unable to raise the tempo as much as desired. Brilliant to see Tupaea back after so long. Ollie Norris and Du'Plessis Kirifi also made their debuts—the latter carrying on where he left off in SRP.