PremiumAnalysisHome / Sport / Rugby / All BlacksAnalysis byGregor PaulRugby analyst·NZ Herald·5 Jul, 2026 12:00 AM5 mins to readRugby analyst and feature writer‌The All Blacks hold off a determined France to win a gripping opening test.AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Gregor Paul in ChristchurchThe All Blacks talked all week about the importance of playing with optimism, but really their key task in the opening game of the new season under a new regime was to engender that same emotion within the fanbase. If New Zealanders are honest, they know AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.