The All Blacks exploded out of the gate, scoring three tries before the 30‑minute mark. Early pressure from the New Zealand backs forced turnovers, and a crisp pass from the fly‑half set up a breakthrough try that put the home crowd on its feet. Within minutes, the midfield surged forward, ripping through the French defense with a series of quick off‑loads that resulted in a second try.
By halftime, New Zealand led 21‑3, a gap that reflected both their relentless attack and a defensive lapse from the French side. The French tries came only after a defensive scramble, highlighting the All Blacks' superior game management.
Standout performances came from the All Blacks' veteran scrum‑half, whose sniping runs kept the French backline guessing. The young winger also shone, finishing two of the first‑half tries with pace that left the French full‑back chasing shadows.
Coach Ian Foster praised his squad's discipline, noting the quick recycling of ball and the low error count. On the French side, coach Fabien Galthié admitted the team hadn't adapted fast enough to the All Blacks' speed, promising adjustments for the second half.
As the teams headed into the locker rooms, the atmosphere at Eden Park was electric. Fans expected a tighter contest, yet the first half had already set a clear narrative: New Zealand's attack was firing on all cylinders, while France faced a steep climb to recover.
