France v New Zealand result: Les Bleus do what England could not – beat the All Blacks

Les Bleus beat the All Blacks 40-25 in Paris for their first win over the world champions in 11 years.

It was a famous win for France, who had not beaten New Zealand since 2011. They led 24-13 at half-time and never looked back, with Damian Penaud scoring two tries and Romain Ntamack kicking 15 points.

New Zealand, who had won their last three matches against France, were well beaten on this occasion. They were outplayed in all areas of the pitch and never really looked like winning.

The victory was a huge boost for France ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which they will host. They will now be one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the match:

France were excellent in all areas of the pitch.

They were physical in defence, dominant in the scrum and clinical in attack. They thoroughly deserved their victory, which was a combination of power, flair and precision.

New Zealand were well beaten.

They were outplayed in all areas of the pitch and never really looked like winning. It was a rare off-day for the All Blacks, and it is understandable as they have to travel to far away countries in Europe and play tier 1 nations week in and week out.

Damian Penaud was the Man of the Match.

He scored two tries and was a constant threat to the New Zealand defence. The 26-year-old Clermont winger is one of the most exciting players in world rugby and is sure to be a key player for France at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The victory was a great boost for France.

It will give them huge confidence ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which they will host. They will now be one of the favourites to win the tournament.