New Zealand edge France 34-32 in Nations Championship thriller to launch Dave Rennie era

New Zealand began the Dave Rennie era with a narrow 34-32 win over France in the opening round of the Nations Championship at Christchurch's Te Kaha stadium on Saturday. The match featured nine tries and a tense finish after France cut a nine-point deficit to two in the 77th minute.

How the match unfolded

France struck first through winger Damien Penaud barely a minute after kickoff. New Zealand responded with tries from Will Jordan in the eighth minute and Peter Lakai in the 20th, taking a 19-13 lead into half-time after Cam Roigard crossed just before the break. The second half continued at breakneck pace, with Antoine Hastoy and Theo Atissogbe scoring for France, while Jordan and Roigard each added their second tries for the All Blacks. Jordan's second gave the hosts a nine-point cushion with 10 minutes remaining, but Matthieu Jalibert's 77th-minute try and Hastoy's conversion trimmed the margin to two points. New Zealand held on to deny France a first win on New Zealand soil since 2009.

The French, they're very unpredictable. They love to play what's in front of them. Credit to the boys for hanging in there.

Rennie's debut and tactical approach

Rennie, who replaced Scott Robertson in January after two lacklustre years, promised optimistic rugby with limited kicking and a high tempo. His side delivered, recycling the ball rapidly and playing with what he called "almost 85 percent" quick ball. The 62-year-old, who previously coached Kobe in Japan, acknowledged the performance was far from perfect.

I love the effort. I love the optimism. We were able to play with a really high tempo, a lot of quick ball, almost 85 percent, which is just outrageous. We did a lot of really good things with the ball.

Rennie also highlighted defensive lapses and a need for greater accuracy, noting the team had been together for only one week. Flanker Peter Lakai echoed that sentiment.

We scored some brilliant tries, but we also let in a few soft ones. It's just about polishing. We've been together for one week, so it's just building combinations and we'll take our learnings.

Key performers and selection calls

Ruben Love's debut at fly-half was eventful: an early yellow card for a high tackle on Max Spring preceded Penaud's opening try, but the 25-year-old recovered to direct play with confidence. Rennie praised his control and willingness to boss senior players. Cam Roigard and Will Jordan each scored twice, while captain Ardie Savea's turnover set up Jordan's first try. For France, Matthieu Jalibert was outstanding, repeatedly unlocking the All Blacks defence, and Penaud extended his national try record to 41 before leaving early in the second half with a calf injury.

France's absentees and what's next

Six Nations champions France travelled without captain Antoine Dupont and other first-choice players from Toulouse and Montpellier, who were rested after the Top 14 final. Despite the loss, their replacements pushed the All Blacks to the final whistle. New Zealand now prepare for Nations Championship matches against Italy and Ireland in the next fortnight, while Rennie promised improvement.

We're going to be better. We certainly weren't high-fiving and jumping for joy. We're happy to win.