THE ALL BLACKS clung on in an error-riddled performance to clinch a 24-9 victory over France in Wellington on Saturday to complete a clean sweep of the three-Test series.
The score in what was a messy game was blown out by a try to hometown hero Beauden Barrett on the stroke of full-time (see below).
Barrett, who came on as a late replacement, brought a brief spark to a game that was dominated by kicking from both sides, particularly in the first half, and unforced handling errors.
“It wasn’t our best,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen understated after the final whistle as he reviewed how is new intergrated running-kicking game plan went askew.
“We’ve just got to tidy up all aspects in our game and just get better at right across the board.”
The All Blacks scored the only tries in the match — to Barrett and to Ben Smith just before halftime — with Dan Carter adding the extra points from four penalties and a conversion.
Jean-Marc Doussain kicked two penalties and Florian Fritz landed a drop goal for France, who led 3-0 early and again 9-8 just after half-time.
Watch highlights including Barrett’s try (11:50 in):
YouTube credit: Tt TTRugbyVids
