All Blacks run riot against the French

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 7:31p.m.

By David Di Somma

What a day it has been for All black captain Richie McCaw.

He has just named IRB Player of the Year for an unprecedented second time, he has also led his side to a dominant 39-12 victory over France to win back the Dave Gallaher trophy.

After congratulating themselves early on for their set piece prowess it was the All Blacks who gave the tri-colours a lesson in playing expansive enterprising rugby.

Gone was the kick-and-chase game that served the French so well in Dunedin in June as they tried to keep the ball in hand.

The All Blacks pride themselves on their counter-attack and it helps when you have speed to burn out wide

Muliaina scored his 25th test try taking the All Blacks to a 12-9 lead.

With their confidence up, a side that had been criticised for not scoring enough tries this tour had the French defence scrambling.

Increasingly, Dan Carter was controlling proceedings and defensively the All Blacks showed why they have not conceded a try throughout this northern hemisphere tour.

After losing to the French at Cardiff and Carisbrook, there would be no heart-breaking capitulation as wing Cory Jane effectively sealed the result with a chip-and-chase down the right wing, which he regathered to score.

In the 71st minute centre Conrad Smith made a dab down the left sideline for All Black try number five.

Though it was overshadowed by a sideline melee as Tony Woodcock had his eyes poked.

The incident was not seen by officials and no action taken.

But that – and the sinbinning of replacement prop Owen Franks for an infringement at the breakdown – could not take the gloss off an All Black effort that was their best of the season.

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