Overview
- New Zealand’s 31-27 victory gives the All Blacks a 1-0 lead in the three-Test tour of New Zealand.
- Will Jordan scored two tries, including his 40th Test try, to power New Zealand to its milestone 500th Test triumph.
- France fielded eight debutants and were without key figures such as Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack yet produced an energetic challenge.
- An early head injury to wing Sevu Reece forced New Zealand into a backline reshuffle within the opening minute.
- The teams reconvene for the second Test in Wellington on July 12 and conclude the series in Hamilton on July 19.