The first test of the season was not a classic for the All Blacks

Any illusions about the legitimacy of France’s challenge or the gap left by the All Blacks most senior players ended at Eden Park.

The first test of the season was not a classic, but it was a classic contest as France tore into a series that is now poised for a cracking rematch in Christchurch.

The All Blacks were missing key men, Dan Carter, Sam Whitelock and Richie McCaw among them, and it showed as they fumbled their way through much of the match before emerging with a hard fought 23-13 win.

Converted first half tries to Aaron Smith and Sam Cane and three Aaron Cruden penalties got coach Steve Hansen’s season off to a winning start.

But not without a big scare, France’s second five eighth Wesley Fofana announcing his side’s intentions with an 11th minute try that shocked the capacity crowd.

The visitors led for most of the first half, breaks by wing Ben Smith and Ma’a Nonu clawing the All Blacks back into the match.

Plucky halfback Smith was a stand out for the All Blacks along with Highlanders teammate Nonu, whose influence was immense in the middle of the park.

And there was a pleasing second half cameo from wing Rene Ranger, who will have done his chances of a test next week no harm with some hard running late in the match.

But there is much to improve on.

The All Blacks showed positive intent from the start. Possibly too much.

Turnovers were frequent throughout the first half as half breaks came to nothing. Israel Dagg and Brodie Retallick were among those to turn the ball over in contact.

The All Blacks also made life difficult for themselves through their lack of a tactical kicking game, Nonu’s early long punt a rarity as they opted to play with ball in hand.

They also struggled at the breakdown where English referee Wayne Barnes, not surprisingly, allowed a free for all in the scramble for possession.

Credit had to go to the French though, who in captain Thierry Dusautior and No 8 Louis Picamoles had determined and physical bodies over the ball all night.

It was a match crying out for someone to take it by the scruff of the neck, but that never really happened.

The All Blacks scrum will take confidence with some big efforts earning crucial penalties in the second half as France pressured their props. Wyatt Crockett emerged with his reputation enhanced.

The big positive for Hansen was there was no panic in the ranks. This was just the test he was looking for as he tries to blood a new group of senior All Blacks.

Hooker Dane Coles was one, his game solid but his throwing to the lineout slightly off.

He and his teammates will be better for the experience as the series moves south, but so will France who have reinforcements on the way and plenty of belief that they can foot it with the home side.

Nonu and Ben Smith provided the highlights, the latter doing what he’s done all season for the Highlanders when he tore through the middle of the park on the counter attack leaving Dusautoir grasping at air.

Nonu then swatted Camille Lopez out of the way a few minutes later and Aaron Smith was on hand again to off load to Cane for a try that provided a 17-10 buffer at halftime.

New Zealand 23 (Aaron Smith, Sam Cane tries, Aaron Cruden 3 pens, 2 cons) France 13(Wesley Fofana try, Maxime Machenaud con, pen, Cammille Lopez pen).

HT: 17-10 NZ

– © Fairfax NZ News