All Blacks fight hard in typically rusty start

All Blacks Jordie Barrett (left) and Codie Taylor try to charge down France fullback Theo Attissogbe during the test at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night. Photo: Peter McIntosh

So much for the accusation this was a French B team.

The All Blacks had to fight hard to overcome a depleted but plucky bunch of tourists before escaping with a 31-27 win in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Beauden Barrett banged over a penalty with five minutes on the clock to secure the victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 28,532 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The All Blacks became the first international rugby team to record 500 test victories.

It was a typically rusty effort for the first test of the season, and all the chat about the French bringing a second-string team will be put to bed.

The All Blacks were, however, denied three tries — two for knock-ons and one for a questionable obstruction call — and if they had made more of their possession and territory count, the outcome could have been decided much earlier.

Fabian Holland showed he belongs in an All Blacks jersey.

The Highlanders lock played 80 minutes on debut and led with 17 tackles in a big shift.

Will Jordan, who started at fullback but was shuffled to the wing after less than 60 seconds, was at his very best, scoring twice to bring his tally to 40 tries in 42 tests, and second five Jordie Barrett was strong in his return from Ireland.

The All Blacks were brilliant in patches and showed what they are capable of, but they have plenty of work to do for the rest of the season.

They were poor under the high ball, ball-handling was sketchy at times, and they also occasionally lacked direction on attack.

All Blacks fullback Damian McKenzie claims a high ball. Photo: Peter McIntosh

They lost winger Sevu Reece in the opening minute to a head knock, forcing Damian McKenzie on early.

Looking to stamp their mark, the French took a 3-0 lead when first five Joris Segonds banged over a 40m penalty.

The All Blacks were denied a try early — and France hit back immediately.

Inside their half, France took off from the back of their scrum.

They recycled quickly, and before the All Blacks could catch up, No 8 Mickael Guillard scored the opening try.

Stung and trailing 10-0, the All Blacks finally clicked into gear.

Searching 5m out, Otago No 8 Christian Lio-Willie marked his debut by dishing off a nice ball to playmaker Beauden Barrett.

He slipped through the acres of space and swung it wide for Jordan to score.

Holland was a big lineout target and secured the ball on the 5m line.

Halfback Cameron Roigard shifted it quickly to land with McKenzie, who used his silky footwork to dart around the defence, and Tupou Vaa’i finished it.

Jordie Barrett scored in the corner and his brother added the extras to give the All Blacks a 21-13 lead at halftime.

France punished the All Blacks for their mistakes early in the second half.

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has brother Beauden in support as he challenges French prop Regis Montagne. Photo: Gregor Richardson

After the All Blacks knocked the ball on from the kickoff, France held on to it and used their ball speed to move it and find the opening for winger Gabian Villiere.

In almost a carbon copy, the All Blacks hit back when Jordan dotted down for his second.

France came out with plenty of intent in the second half and kept the crowd relatively quiet.

Replacement Jacobus Van Tonder made a break up the middle and was taken down just shy of the line.

Cameron Woki burrowed over, and with that the French trailed just 28-27 and it was anyone’s game.

The All Blacks put together some nice phases when Villiere knocked it down and was sent to the bin.

Billy Proctor and Jordan both appeared to score tries within the next 10 minutes, but they were both scratched on review.

It was a tense time for both teams as they waited for the game to open.

Beauden Barrett kicked a penalty to nudge the All Blacks ahead 31-27 and some sound defence from the home team secured the win.