All Blacks secure narrow 34-32 win over France in Nations Championship opener

The All Blacks kicked off their 2026 Nations Championship campaign with a thrilling 34-32 victory over France on Saturday in Christchurch. Coach Dave Rennie expressed relief following his debut match in charge, emphasizing the team's potential for improvement in future games.

Match Overview: Key Moments and Performances

New Zealand faced a challenging start, coming from behind three times against an under-strength French side missing top players from Toulouse and Montpellier. Despite the adversity, the All Blacks managed to secure their win through a combination of resilience and tactical execution.

Rennie praised the team's effort, stating, "I love the effort. I love the optimism." He highlighted their high tempo play, achieving almost 85 percent ball retention. However, he also pointed out several errors and a mixed defensive performance as areas needing improvement.

Rennie's Vision for the All Blacks

Following the dismissal of former coach Scott Robertson, Rennie aims to instill a more dynamic style of play focused on minimizing kicking and maximizing attacking opportunities. “We just need more time, more reps, more work around the combinations,” he noted, indicating that the team is still in the early stages of development.

Ruben Love's selection at fly-half proved crucial, with the 25-year-old displaying impressive skills despite receiving an early yellow card for a high tackle. Rennie commented on Love's confidence and ability to lead the team effectively, saying, "He's taken control. Doesn't mind bossing around some of the old fellas, so I'm really pleased for him."

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches and Team Development

Flanker Peter Lakai, who contributed a try to the match, acknowledged the team's need for improvement as they prepare for upcoming matches against Italy and Ireland. He remarked, "We scored some brilliant tries, but we also let in a few soft ones. It's just about polishing."

Rennie concluded with optimism, stating, "We're going to be better," as the squad continues to build on their early successes and learn from their experiences.