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All Blacks demolish France

02/06/2007

New Zealand beat France 42-11 in the first Test of their summer series in Auckland, scoring five tries to the visitors' one.

Centre Aaron Mauger and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu scored two tries each as the hosts demolished their opponents who were without a number of key personnel.

The Kiwis took an early lead thanks to two penalties and Les Bleu responded with one of their own.

Just before the break the home side sprang into action and claimed two tries. First fly-half Dan Carter released Joe Rokocoko, the ball was recycled and Mauger went in under the posts.

Sivivatu claimed the next try a few minutes later when the referee gave what looked like a debatable decision in favour of the All Blacks.

Carter had chipped ahead and although Sivivatu beat Thomas Castaignede to the ball he did not appear to get downward pressure though the try was awarded anyway and that gave the Kiwis a 20-3 half-time lead.

Carter and captain Richie McCaw were taken off during the break as a precaution as both were carrying knocks but that did not stop the All Blacks' momentum.

Sivivatu got his second after prolonged pressure at the start of the second half. Despite a forward looking pass from Carter's replacement Nick Evans the try was again given.

Jean-Francois Coux got one back for a beleaguered looking French side following Olivier Magne's kick ahead but it was too little too late.

Mauger replied immediately as he scorched through the French midfield to score, then with seven minutes remaining Rodney So'oialo dived over from short distance to complete a comprehensive victory.

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