If there were any doubt about Beauden Barrett's World Rugby player of the year credentials, he surely proved them once again in this blood and thunder test against France at the Stade de France this morning. And the recent physical and mental trials against Ireland in Chicago and Dublin clearly have taken their toll on the All Blacks. Down on possession and territory, and with clean breaks at a minium, they needed an attacking spark, and Barrett's two attacking interventions reaped the All Blacks 14 points. His conversion from between the posts gave the All Blacks a 17-6 lead, a seemingly safe one. Charlie Faumuina's try appeared to make the game safe, but back the French came again through Baptiste Serin.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 26, 2016 22:07 UTC