New Zealand held off a late comeback attempt from France for a nail-biting 34-32 victory in the first-ever Nations Championship match in Christchurch.

The very first match in the new-look, 12-team tournament pitted two heavyweights against one another at Te Kaha, and it did not disappoint.

The All Blacks were stunned when France – despite the absences of Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey – scored the first try through Damian Penaud in just the second minute, though Will Jordan then crossed at the other end in a high-octane start.

Peter Lakai went over in between a pair of Maxime Lucu penalties, then good tenacity from Codie Taylor allowed Cam Roigard to score New Zealand's third try, nudging them into a 19-13 half-time lead.

The frantic pace continued after the restart as momentum swung one way and then the other, with a converted Antoine Hastoy try getting France back in front, before Roigard doubled up to put New Zealand back in the lead at 26-20.

Theo Attissogbe was narrowly judged to be in touch when he pulled France back within a single point, though the All Blacks looked to have the victory sewn up when Jordan also got his second try.

A late effort from Matthieu Jalibert gave France hope, but New Zealand stood firm through the final two minutes to register their 52nd victory in 68 meetings with Les Bleus. 

 Défaite à Christchurch de deux petits points face aux Néo-Zélandais.#XVdeFrance #NZLFRA pic.twitter.com/FbiUJv0Ahm

— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) July 4, 2026

All Blacks off to a flyer 

France came mightily close to shocking the All Blacks on their own turf, but they are still waiting on their first win in New Zealand since 2009, having only won there four times in their history.

New Zealand have now won each of the last four meetings between the teams, last losing in a November 2024 Test in Paris (30-29).

The victory represents an ideal start for the All Blacks in the southern group of this new tournament, ahead of Australia facing Ireland and South Africa taking on England in Saturday's other standout fixtures.