Paris | France overcame conceding sloppy tries at the start of each half to beat New Zealand 27-13 in an intense opening match of the Rugby World Cup on Friday, ending the All Blacks’ run of 31 straight wins in the pool stage.
Prolific right winger Damian Penaud grabbed a crucial try 15 minutes into the second half, and France never let the lead go. Fullback Thomas Ramos punished All Blacks errors from the tee. He finished with 19 points from seven of nine goalkicks.
