Top Performers - New Zealand vs France

As always, the New Zealand outhalf was absolutely immense this morning as his side cruised to victory against France in Eden Park. He made a couple of brilliant clean breaks, showing blistering pace and some deft and accurate offloading. He consistently pinned France back with well-weighted grubber kicks and excellent long-range touch finders. The only negative aspect of his performance was his goal kicking. Although some were from very difficult angles, a 50% success rate is simply not good enough at the top level.

 

Morgan Parra

France were well in the game in the opening 50 minutes, with Parra excelling for the French. Controlled the game well in the first half, with the French putting the All Blacks under serious pressure and guiding them to a surprise 11-8 lead at the break.

 

 

 

Yet again the young winger was sensational from start to finish. His combination of sheer brute strength and incredible pace caused the French defence a host of problems throughout. He made two clean breaks, beating four defenders and gaining a staggering total of 132 metres. He was also rock solid in defence, recording a perfect tackle success rate and saw his Trojan efforts rewarded with a brilliant brace of trys.

 

Special mention for Ryan Crotty who was another standout performer today and lead by example from start to finish.