The All Blacks beat France in Christchurch in a nine-try Nations Championship opener, with wing Will Jordan crossing twice in a high-octane contest that showcased attacking rugby from both sides, BBC Sport reported.
The match, staged in Christchurch on 4 July 2026, delivered end-to-end action and repeated momentum swings as New Zealand and France traded scores across both halves. The result handed New Zealand an early lift in the Nations Championship opener while underlining the tournament’s emphasis on enterprising, ball-in-hand rugby, according to the BBC Sport match report.
All Blacks beat France: Will Jordan’s two tries
Will Jordan’s double proved decisive in a game defined by attacking intent. BBC Sport notes that Jordan finished both opportunities with the composure and pace that have made him one of the All Blacks’ most dangerous finishers. His first try came after sustained New Zealand pressure and quick recycling, when a slick passage of hands and well-timed support play let him finish out wide.
Jordan’s second score arrived as New Zealand seized a momentary gap in the French defensive alignment. That second finish was important not only for the points it yielded but for the psychological advantage it gave the hosts, forcing France to chase the game and leave space for counter-attacks. BBC Sport singled out Jordan’s ability to convert chances from fast-moving phases as a key factor in the outcome.
The wing’s performance will be seen as a reminder of New Zealand’s finishing depth. BBC Sport’s coverage emphasised that Jordan’s tries were earned within a system that repeatedly looked to stretch defences wide and test opposition edges, a strategy that paid off several times during the night.
Key moments in the nine-try thriller
From the opening exchanges, the fixture unfolded as a nine-try thriller. Both sides committed to running lines and quick ball, producing a succession of line breaks and offloads that created scoring chances at pace. BBC Sport describes the match as an open contest in which traditional territorial control was often set aside in favour of attacking ambition.
Early phases saw aggressive carries from New Zealand’s forwards to set a platform for the backs, while France responded with inventive backline interplay that opened up the field on more than one occasion. The seesawing scoreline and multiple lead changes reflected how neither defence could dominate for long stretches.
Turnovers and counter-attacks were pivotal. Several of the match’s crucial swings came after quick rebounds from failed set-piece attempts or loose kicks, with teams punishing the slightest defensive lapse. Substitutions in the second half also influenced momentum: fresh legs injected pace and occasionally altered the balance as both benches sought to shift the contest.
Set pieces had their moments but it was largely open-field rugby that produced the tries. According to BBC Sport, the match’s pattern — rapid exchanges followed by long-range finishes — underlined both teams’ preference for expansive play, a theme likely to be repeated across the Nations Championship opener fixtures.
What this means for the Nations Championship
As the Nations Championship opener, the result gives the All Blacks an immediate points and momentum advantage in the early standings. BBC Sport framed the victory as a positive start for New Zealand while flagging that the competition could reward high-tempo, attacking sides capable of converting chances.
France leave Christchurch having shown significant attacking intent but also with defensive areas to address. The performance provides both encouragement — the French backline produced moments of real fluency — and a clear agenda for improvement as they regroup for upcoming fixtures in the Nations Championship schedule, BBC Sport noted.
Teams and coaches will now turn focus to the next round of matches, where both New Zealand and France must balance scoring ambition with tighter defensive structure if they are to sustain a challenge across the competition.
Match details and source attribution
Venue: Christchurch
Date: 2026-07-04
Competition: Nations Championship (opener)
Report source: BBC Sport — All Blacks beat France in thrilling Nations Championship opener
Looking ahead, both sides will use the lessons from this nine-try contest as they prepare for the next Nations Championship fixtures, where defensive adjustments and squad rotation are likely to become focal points.
FAQ
Who scored for the All Blacks?
Will Jordan scored twice for the All Blacks; BBC Sport’s match report highlights his two tries as significant contributions to the win.
Where was the match played?
The match was played in Christchurch.
How many tries were scored in the game?
The fixture was described by BBC Sport as a nine-try thriller, with nine tries shared between New Zealand and France.
