New Zealand challenge 'immense but fantastic' for France

The French hammered them on a cold November evening in 2021 before taking the spoils in last year's rip-roaring Rugby World Cup opener, both at a packed Stade de France. New Zealand, who enjoyed a 14-match winning streak stretching back to 2009 before those two defeats, are now coached by Scott Robertson who has steadied the ship in recent weeks after a slow start to his tenure. Three straight wins over the past month, over Japan, England and Ireland come after an unconvincing June tour and Rugby Championship campaign.