So said head coach Fabien Galthié in November 2021 after he’d watched his French side take on New Zealand in one of the most thrilling Autumn Nations Series matches ever. It was a showdown that not only reignited one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries, but also set the stage for future epic encounters between these two giants of the sport.
Played at the Stade de France, the atmosphere was electric as Les Bleus sought to prove they were ready to challenge the world’s best, and vie for a first win against the All Blacks in Paris since 1973. With France's rugby renaissance in full swing, the clash with the mighty All Blacks was a test of mettle – and the French passed with flying colours.
France’s 40-25 victory that night was a spectacle of high-intensity rugby. Led by Antoine Dupont – recently awarded the Legion d’Honneur following his Olympic heroics – France delivered a performance that will be remembered for its fluidity, speed, and power. Early tries from Romain Ntamack and Peato Mauvaka stunned the All Blacks, who were caught off guard by France’s relentless attack.
The celebrated French ‘audace’ was typified by Ntamack’s breakout run from his in-goal area that harked back to the sort of freewheeling rugby not seen at this level since the 1970s. The comments on YouTube illustrate how beloved this moment has become in fans of all persuasions' minds.
The game swung back and forth, with New Zealand showing glimpses of their trademark brilliance, but the French were undeterred. In a blistering second half, France extended their lead, silencing any doubts that they could match the All Blacks' tempo. It was a significant moment: France hadn't beaten New Zealand since 2009, and this victory felt like a seismic shift in the rugby landscape.
One of the enduring images of that match was the composure and leadership shown by Dupont. The French captain orchestrated play with precision, showcasing his world-class ability to manage the game from scrum-half. His performances in the Autumn Nations Series and beyond have earned him global recognition, including multiple Guinness Player of the Championship awards, as well as a World Rugby Player of the Year title. But it wasn’t just Dupont who shone: players like Gregory Alldritt and Ntamack exemplified the new generation of French talent, setting the foundation for a bright blue future.
That unforgettable night in Paris was a glimpse into the future, a signal that France was no longer a sleeping giant but a team fully capable of taking on the best and winning. It paved the way for what was to come just a couple of months later, when they claimed their first Guinness Men’s Six Nations title – a Grand Slam, no less – in 12 years.
Now, with the 2024 Autumn Nations Series on the horizon, the excitement is palpable as France and New Zealand are set to meet again at the Stade de France on November 16th. It will be their first encounter since the opening night of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, when Les Bleus put on another statement win. Can they make it an unthinkable three in a row against the All Blacks? This rematch promises to be just as dramatic, with both teams looking to solidify their status as the top rugby nations.
For rugby lovers, it’s a date to circle on the calendar. France, once again, will look to defend their turf against a New Zealand side hungry for revenge. If history is any indicator, this match could go down as another classic in the rivalry between these two teams, and it’s an encounter no sports fan will want to miss.
