France vs New Zealand: A statistical look
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The second full round of fixtures in this year’s Autumn Nations Series saw a mix of tight clashes and resounding victories – we take a look at some of the key stats from the weekend.
France vs New Zealand
France hosted the All Blacks in pulsating tie which was arguably the game of the round. Early on it looked like New Zealand might run away with it as they raced into a 14-3 lead which saw their predicted win rate rise to a match-high of 84%.
The half-time break saw the All Blacks lead by seven points. It was the first time Les Bleus had trailed at half-time in a match at the Stade de France since the opening game of the 2018 Six Nations against Ireland.
In fact, France’s eventual victory saw them overturn their biggest half-time deficit in any home game since their first ever test at the Saint-Denis venue, against Ireland in 1998 (6-13 at HT, 18-16 at FT).
In such a tight game the role of the goal-kickers became even more important, with Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Thomas Ramos each landing 100% from the tee.
Ramos’ efforts were all the more impressive given that he faced a range of difficult kicks, including one from beyond half way and kicks from the within 10 metres of the touchline. Overall, he had an xGK of 78% and would have been expected to score around 12 points rather than the 15 he did make from the boot.
Those kicks proved crucial as France ended New Zealand’s hopes of an Autumn Nations Series grand slam, recording a third consecutive victory over the All Blacks – just the second time they’ve managed that in their history (also 1994-95).
