New Zealand survives to win

New Zealand 31 France 23

New Zealand survived a determined French comeback to win their one-off Test match in Christchurch today.

Winger Joe Rokocoko scored a hat-trick in the first half to establish a 19-13 lead at the break, while France scored two penalties from Frederic Michalak and a try by Sylvain Marconnet, which Michalak converted.

New Zealand inside centre Daniel Carter bagged three penalties early in the second half to open up a 28-12 lead but when skipper Reuben Thorne was sin-binned for punching Christian Labit in the 70th minute France took their chance.

Centre Yannick Jauzion burst through the short-handed New Zealand defence, Gerald Merceron converted and a Damien Traille penalty ensured a tense finish.

However, New Zealand hung on and a late period of possession gave Carter the chance to kick a late penalty and extend their lead.