Nations Championship: Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert impress despite narrow All Blacks defeat

France may have left Christchurch empty-handed, but Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert delivered performances that suggested Les Bleus remain a force to be reckoned with despite missing several established stars.

The experienced Bordeaux-Bègles pairing orchestrated France's attack superbly as New Zealand edged a thrilling 34-32 victory in the opening match of the Nations Championship on Saturday, July 4. 

Although the All Blacks secured a winning start under new head coach Dave Rennie, France's spirited display showed they are capable of challenging the world's best even with a depleted squad.

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Lucu leads from the front

Handed the captaincy in the absence of Antoine Dupont, Lucu produced one of the most assured performances of his international career.

His kicking game controlled territory, his decision-making kept France composed under pressure and his goal-kicking ensured Les Bleus remained within touching distance throughout the contest.

After the match, Lucu took pride in the character his side showed.

"We played the best team in the world and the difference was only little details,” Lucu said after the game, quoted on Sky Sports.

"The score was 34-32, it's nothing really. It's disappointing but we worked really hard."

For a side missing so many established internationals, Lucu's leadership stood out.

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Jalibert showed why he remains elite

Alongside Lucu, Jalibert demonstrated exactly why he is regarded as one of Europe's premier fly-halves.

His willingness to attack the line, distribute under pressure and vary France's kicking game repeatedly caused problems for New Zealand's defence.

The combination that has brought Bordeaux-Bègles so much success translated seamlessly onto the international stage, giving France fluency despite the disruption to their squad.

It was the kind of performance that reinforced Jalibert's credentials as one of the game's premier playmakers.

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France's depleted pack refused to back down

Before kick-off, many expected France's inexperienced forward pack to struggle against the All Blacks.

Instead, they competed with determination for the full 80 minutes.

Missing influential figures such as Antoine Dupont, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament, France still matched New Zealand physically for long periods and consistently provided Lucu and Jalibert with enough possession to attack.

That resilience arguably became one of the biggest positives to emerge from the contest.

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Jordan proves decisive again

Ultimately, New Zealand possessed just enough finishing quality to prevail.

Will Jordan crossed twice to continue his remarkable strike rate in the black jersey, while Cam Roigard also scored twice as the hosts found the decisive moments when they mattered most.

The victory also ensured Rennie began his tenure with a win, although captain Ardie Savea admitted there is still significant room for improvement.

"It was tough,” the new All Blacks captain said. “The French were quality.

"When we had the ball in our hands we were dangerous but there's a lot to work on in our defence.

"The French came out here to play and put us under pressure quite a bit but I'm really proud of my boys. We stuck in there and found a way," he added.

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A defeat that strengthens France's belief

While New Zealand celebrated victory, France arguably left Christchurch with increased confidence.

Many questioned whether a side missing several first-choice players could compete with the All Blacks away from home.

Lucu and Jalibert answered those doubts emphatically.

Their partnership gave France composure, creativity and belief throughout the contest, proving that Les Bleus possess far greater depth than many expected.

Although the All Blacks extended their unbeaten home run against France, the narrow margin suggested this French generation remains capable of challenging any team in world rugby when guided by two accomplished playmakers operating at the top of their game.

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