Rugby Union

Pretty messy game of Rugby in France v NZ. Another international game where territory was 50% plus determined by the referee not the players which I personally hate. I think Barrett's 2 decisions to go for 3 and get it close rather than attempt to get the points that would win the game were mistakes.

Razor also did not select well for this match. Jordan is not in form at 15, and Reece is very out of form at 14. Both players made mistakes that led to massive territory or points to France. Given how well McKenzie played against Ireland I still think the better selection was Jordan at 14 with Barrett at 15.

Finau's early injury forcing Lakai to play 78 minutes probably meant the bench impact wasn't as good as the last two weeks; though having said that the loose forwards looked really good even once when they were rejigged. But I think they really missed Cane's leadership at times in that game - at points looked a bit panicked.

It sounds weird given they got 30 points, but I think in a way France won without having to do too much. The big thing was absorb the pressure, their counter-attack was full of pace and very effective and in the last 60 minutes their defence was very strong. So long as they just managed to stay on the right side of the ref they got the W.