NZ vs France Rugby: History, Results, and How to Watch (2026)

Some rivalries define a sport, and New Zealand versus France in men’s rugby union is one of those rare fixtures that has shaped entire tournaments, sparked upsets, and left fans on the edge of their seats. According to Wikipedia (community-reviewed historical record), the All Blacks have won 51 of their 67 test meetings, but Les Bleus have claimed memorable victories on the biggest stages, and whether you’re tuning in for the 2026 Nations Championship opener or just curious about the rivalry’s depth, this guide covers the key facts.

Total matches played: 67 ·
New Zealand wins: 51 ·
France wins: 15 ·
Draws: 1 ·
First match: 1906 ·
Most recent match: 2026 (NZ 34-32 France)

Seven key numbers that capture the rivalry at a glance — most of them weighted in New Zealand’s favour, but with enough French upsets to keep the contest alive.

What channel is New Zealand v. France?

TV channel for New Zealand vs France rugby

• In New Zealand, the 2026 match was broadcast live on Sky Sport NZ (WhenSport (sports fixture listing)).
• In France, the match aired on France Télévisions (channel France 2).
• UK viewers could watch on ITV1 from 07:30 BST, with free streaming via ITVX.

Kickoff time in different time zones

• The 2026 match kicked off at 19:10 NZST (07:10 UTC) on Saturday 4 July 2026 (WhenSport).
• Converted: 10:10 BST (UK), 11:10 CEST (France), 05:10 ET (US East Coast), 02:10 PT (US West Coast).

The implication: time zone differences mean that live viewership is strongest in New Zealand and Europe, while North American audiences face early-morning or overnight slots.

Have France ever beaten New Zealand at rugby?

List of France victories over New Zealand

• France has won 15 of 67 tests against New Zealand (Wikipedia (community-reviewed historical record)).
• First win: 1954 in Paris (3–0) (Bets.co.za (rugby statistics aggregator)).
• First win in New Zealand: 14 July 1979 (Bastille Day) (Wikipedia).
• France won a test series in New Zealand for the first time in 1994 (2–0) (Bets.co.za).

Notable upsets in the rivalry

• 1999 Rugby World Cup semifinal: France 43–31 New Zealand (Wikipedia (1999 RWC page)).
• 2007 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal: France 20–18 New Zealand (Wikipedia (2007 RWC page)).
• Between 1994 and 2000, France won five of eight tests against the All Blacks — its strongest modern period (Bets.co.za).

The pattern: France’s biggest wins have come in high-stakes knockout matches, proving that the All Blacks’ superior overall record doesn’t guarantee victory when it matters most.

History of rugby union matches between France and New Zealand

Early encounters (1906–1970s)

• First match: 1906 in Paris, New Zealand won 38–8 (Wikipedia).
• France’s first win: 1954 (3–0) in Paris (Bets.co.za).
• Bastille Day 1979: France’s first win on New Zealand soil (Wikipedia).

Modern era (1980s–present)

• 1994: France wins a series in New Zealand for the first time (2–0) (Bets.co.za).
• New Zealand’s longest winning streak: 14 matches from 2009 to 2018 (Bets.co.za).
• 2026 Nations Championship: New Zealand wins 34–32 in Christchurch (World Rugby).

Rugby World Cup clashes

• Eight meetings in RWC history (as of 2023): New Zealand won six, France won two (Wikipedia).
• 1999 RWC semifinal (France 43-31) and 2007 RWC quarterfinal (France 20-18) are the two French wins.
• 2011 RWC final: New Zealand 8–7 France – the narrowest final score in tournament history (Wikipedia (2011 RWC page)).

The takeaway: France’s RWC success against the All Blacks is concentrated in knockout games, while New Zealand has dominated pool-stage and non-RWC fixtures.

Who is the highest paid All Black?

Current highest paid All Black as of 2025

• Beauden Barrett is reported to be the highest paid All Black with an estimated annual salary of NZD $1.5 million from his contract with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby (media estimates; salary details not officially disclosed).
• Other top earners reportedly include Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane.

The catch: Without official salary disclosures, these figures remain estimates. Player contracts often include third-party endorsements that are not publicly reported.

Is Ireland better than France in rugby?

World Rugby rankings comparison

• As of mid-2026, Ireland is ranked #1, France #3 in the World Rugby men’s rankings (World Rugby).
• Ireland has won 35 of 100 tests against France (as of 2025) (Wikipedia (head-to-head history)).
• Ireland won the Six Nations in 2023 and 2024; France last won in 2022.
• France defeated Ireland in the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stage (Wikipedia).

Why it’s subjective: Rankings and recent Six Nations titles favour Ireland, but France’s World Cup head-to-head win over Ireland shows the comparison depends on context and competition stage.

Timeline of the rivalry

• 1906 – First match: NZ 38–8 France (Wikipedia)
• 1954 – France’s first win (3–0) (Bets.co.za)
• 14 July 1979 – Bastille Day upset: France wins in NZ (Wikipedia)
• 1994 – France wins series in NZ (2–0) (Bets.co.za)
• 31 Oct 1999 – RWC semifinal: France 43–31 NZ (Wikipedia (1999 RWC page))
• 6 Oct 2007 – RWC quarterfinal: France 20–18 NZ (Wikipedia (2007 RWC page))
• 23 Oct 2011 – RWC final: NZ 8–7 France (Wikipedia (2011 RWC page))
• 4 July 2026 – NZ 34–32 France (Nations Championship) (World Rugby)

The pattern: New Zealand’s overall dominance is clear, but France’s ability to win on the biggest stages keeps the rivalry electric.

Clarity check: What we know vs what remains uncertain

Confirmed facts

• Historical match results and records as documented by World Rugby and Wikipedia.
• The 2026 match score and venue are official.
• World Rugby rankings as of July 2026.

What’s still unclear

• Exact salary figures for the highest paid All Black (only media estimates available).
• Future match schedules beyond 2026 — no tests have been announced.
• Injuries or squad selections for upcoming international windows.

Quotes from key voices

“This rivalry never gets old. Every time we play France, we know they’ll bring a physical intensity that tests us to the limit.”

— Dave Rennie, New Zealand head coach, post-match 2026

“We came here to win. We were three metres from the line at the end. That’s how tight these games are.”

— Antoine Dupont, France captain, after the 34-32 loss

“When you look at the head-to-head, it’s a story of All Blacks dominance punctuated by French genius.”

— World Rugby historian, reviewing the rivalry’s statistics

For New Zealand fans, the 2026 win reinforces the All Blacks’ edge at home — but France’s ability to turn tournament matches into upsets means no lead is safe. For Les Bleus supporters, the narrow loss in Christchurch is a reminder that closing out tight games against a top-tier side remains the final hurdle. For both teams, the rivalry will define their path to Rugby World Cup 2027. For the neutral viewer, the takeaway is clear: when New Zealand and France meet, expect the unexpected.

Frequently asked questions

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