The Albany Gazette - Robertson relieved as All Blacks survive fierce France challenge

New Zealand took the lead for the first time with only 20 minutes remaining in Hamilton as an under-strength France faded in their last game of a long season, eventually conceding four tries to one.

Robertson commended the "gallant" performance of the tourists, who had left most of their best players at home.

"They've come over here to our beautiful winter and put on a performance like that. They'd be very proud," Robertson told reporters.

"We'll be better for the experience as a group. Ten points down at one stage and we found a way, played some really good footy and we're better for it."

France's bigger forward pack and greater physical commitment helped them dominate the first half.

The visitors led 10-0 early and then 19-10 on the stroke of half-time before centre Anton Lienert-Brown scored a key try to reduce the deficit at the break to two points.

The hosts played with greater energy in the second half, keeping France scoreless and creating tries for forwards Du'Plessis Kirifi and Brodie McAlister, who were both making their first Test starts.

Captain Ardie Savea admitted his New Zealand side, featuring 10 starting changes, were caught off guard.

"We got kind of punched in the nose in the first half and then, you know, we came back in the second," Savea said.

"We were able to build phases and build pressure. We converted it into points."

The victory sealed a series in which France were highly competitive despite their depleted squad.

They lost a combative first Test 31-27 in Dunedin but were well beaten 41-17 in the second Test in Wellington.

"I'm really proud of the boys, the effort we put in today," said France lock Joshua Brennan.

"It's a shame we lost but we played against a great All Black team and I'm just proud of the performance."

- Courage not enough -

"These last two weeks, the way we've evolved our rugby as well, I'm really proud," added Brennan.

New Zealand have swept all five three-match series between the sides, also winning 3-0 in 1961, 1968, 2013 and 2018.

"We hung on, we were courageous, but at this level, it's not enough unfortunately," France wing Theo Attissogbe told Canal Plus television.

"So we have to be realistic, we're leaving with three defeats, but we're going to continue to work hard and we'll see what we're lacking to reach the level of the best in the world."

France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec crossed early for the first of his 16 points, darting down the blind side from a lineout drive.

His conversion and a penalty goal put the visitors 10 points clear before All Blacks wing Will Jordan struck against the run of play, chasing down a clever kick from scrum-half Cortez Ratima to score his 42nd try in 44 Tests.

France scored two more Le Garrec penalties and a drop-goal by fly-half Antoine Hastoy.

The home side finally edged ahead 22-19 when France failed to control a Damian McKenzie cross-kick and flanker Kirifi crossed for his first Test try.

Hooker McAlister had a moment to savour on debut off the bench when he supported a break by Jordie Barrett and ran 15 metres to score the final try and seal the match in the dying minutes.

(L.Thomas--TAG)