New Zealand’s Ma’a Nonu trying to shake off France’s David Marty in a match the All Blacks dominated 39-12. New Zealand hasn’t lost in France in nine years. (Photo: Franck Fife, AFP)

All Blacks Humiliate France, Irish Finish Perfect

Marseille, France. New Zealand overwhelmed France 39-12 at Stade Velodrome on Saturday and completed its four-test campaign through Europe without conceding a try.

After beating Wales, Italy and England this month, the All Blacks haven’t conceded a try in Europe since their World Cup quarterfinal loss to France two years ago.

On Saturday, a rampant New Zealand scored five tries — shared by Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina, Jerome Kaino, Cory Jane and Conrad Smith — in its best display of a mediocre year, and shut out the French in the second half.

“It was a great game with two teams wanting to attack,” All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

“It was really good to see two teams wanting to play attacking rugby. That victory is a special one. We’ve had a challenging year and we won the last six games. I’m delighted by the players’ performance, they can now enjoy the summer.”

New Zealand still has to play the Barbarians next weekend, but it was cherishing humiliating France again on its home soil. The French still haven’t beaten the All Blacks in France for nine years, and won’t meet again until the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

That’s where France beat the All Blacks in June for its first win in New Zealand in 15 years, but New Zealand was missing captain Richie McCaw and star flyhalf Dan Carter.

France captain Thierry Dusautoir didn’t try to hide his disappointment after his side was humbled following wins over South Africa and Samoa.

“The fact is that we were not able to contest their rucks,” Dusautoir said. “We lost the rucks battle, we didn’t manage to play aggressively and were quicker on the ball. It’s not just about the score, we also failed to play our game. If we had the answer to avoid this kind of setback, we would be a great nation of rugby.”

In Dublin, Jonathan Sexton justified his selection ahead of record points-holder Ronan O’Gara by kicking Ireland to a 15-10 defeat of South Africa to complete an unbeaten year of test rugby.

Sexton, playing only his second test but looking like a veteran, booted over five penalties as Ireland rallied from an early 10-3 deficit at Croke Park.

“It’s a great way [to end the year], the whole year undefeated, it’s brilliant,” Jamie Heaslip said.

The test was billed as the best of the Northern against the South, pitting the Six Nations champion against the Tri-Nations winner. There was added spice as nine of the Irish lineup were in the Lions side beaten in a bitter series over the summer.

But the Springboks weren’t as fresh as then, and arrived in Dublin slumping from three defeats in four tour matches, including two shockers to Leicester and the Saracens. Lock Bakkies Botha was a last-minute withdrawal with a back injury, but the Springboks still believed they could end an unprecedented two-match losing streak to the home side.

Sexton made five of seven goalkicks, and got muted praise from coach Declan Kidney, who gambled on the 24-year-old.

“We see it as a blessing that we have a world-class flyhalf and an up-and-coming flyhalf,” Kidney said. “We’ll need both of them.”

Sexton’s counterpart Steyn, one of the Boks’ stars this year but enduring an off day with his boot and decision-making, was replaced by Ruan Pienaar, who hit the post with his only shot, and the Springboks’ last chance at an undeserved victory ended spectacularly when fullback Zane Kirchner was crunched by Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll.

Associated Press

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