New Zealand matches at the Stade de France
OLD NEW ZEALAND MATCHES AT THE STADE DE FRANCE
New Zealand matches at the Stade de France
About the New Zealand rugby team
The All Blacks are New Zealand's national rugby team, a symbol of national pride and representation for an entire nation. Their legend has been woven throughout the history of world rugby, making them the undisputed benchmark in the sport.
Dominating international competitions, their prestige is reinforced by the famous Haka and their emblematic black jersey adorned with the silver fern, which help to forge the myth that surrounds them.
The origins of the name ‘All Blacks
New Zealanders have been wearing the black jersey since 1893, as a tribute to their fallen opponents. In 1905, during their first tour of Great Britain, the ‘Originals’ forwards (the first official selection) captivated the public with their speed, agility and power. One English journalist was quoted as saying: ‘They are all backs’. When the newspaper went to press, this sentence was changed to ‘They are all blacks’. This article has never been found and is now part of the New Zealand legend.
New Zealand domination
The All Blacks dominate world rugby with undisputed authority. The New Zealanders stand out for their exceptional mastery of the game, their refined technique, their remarkable physical condition, their impressive agility and their meticulous attention to detail.
The points difference between them and their opponents is often striking, as witnessed by their crushing 145-17 victory over Japan in 1995. They hold all the records: winning streaks, points margins, best players and World Cup triumphs. However, this supremacy is regularly put to the test by their eternal rivals, South Africa.
France vs New Zealand
France and New Zealand have largely been dominated by the All Blacks. The first meeting between these two teams dates back to 1906, but it was not until 1954 that France finally managed to win. Over the years, there have been a number of landmark moments in the history of these encounters. In 1994, Les Bleus scored what has become known as the ‘try from the end of the world’, a perfect illustration of the famous French Flair.
In 2007 and 2011, they defied the Haka by positioning themselves on the halfway line, forming the V of victory. However, it should be noted that France also suffered their heaviest defeat against the All Blacks, by a margin of 50 points. History also records the All Blacks' two World Cup final victories, underlining the intense rivalry between these two great rugby nations.
