Awesome All Blacks sink France to seal series win
Savea took over the captaincy from the injured Scott Barrett on Saturday and under his leadership New Zealand produced a more intense and physical performance than in the first Test in which they scraped home 31-27.
The All Blacks dominated through their forwards against a French team that had 10 changes to their starting line-up from the first Test, and still lacked most of their Six Nations stars.
"This week we talked about our defence and we wanted to bring fire in that area and we did that in most parts of the game," Savea said.
"I'm proud of our boys for just sticking with it and doing a good job tonight."
With greater control of possession, New Zealand were able to set a higher tempo than in the first Test and scored six tries to two.
The All Blacks were dangerous around the fringes of breakdowns through Savea and Cam Roigard and unstoppable when they got the ball wide to fullback Will Jordan and winger Rieko Ioane, who scored tries.
After a Beauden Barrett penalty, Roigard scored the first try of the match on 14th minutes when he linked with Savea who broke on the blindside.
Savea crossed in the 23rd, pivoting away a lineout drive to touch down while New Zealand were reduced to 14 men with Beauden Barrett in the sin bin.
Hooker Codie Taylor scored from another lineout drive in the 29th minute, then back-rower Tupou Vaa'i ended the first half with a try from a superb handling movement which involved Savea, Ioane and centre Billy Proctor.
Count the offloads 🔢Tupou Vaa'i finishes off an incredible try 🤩#NZLvFRA pic.twitter.com/hqx3NbkvpT
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 12, 2025
France made five changes to start of the second half and produced their first try in the 47th minute through fullback Leo Barre.
The All Blacks responded with tries to Jordan in the 54th minute and Ioane in the 62nd, again from slick handling.
France had the last say when they scored in the 77th minute through Ireland-born lock Joshua Brennan, but New Zealand regained the Dave Gallagher Trophy for the first time in seven years.
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