Richie McCaw of the All Blacks holds up the Gallaher trophy following the international test match between France and the New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France on November 9, 2013 in Paris, France.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)
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The All Blacks took a step closer to completing their quest to finish the year unbeaten with a 26-19 victory over France on Saturday.
The result, New Zealand's fourth win over les Bleus in 2013, leaves Steve Hansen's team with 12 wins from 12 starts ahead of next weekend's game against England, but they were made to work very hard at the Stade de France.
When the dust had settled, the tourists had outscored France two tries to one in a gripping encounter on the outskirts of the French capital.
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Pascal Pape of France (R) and Sam Whitelock of the All Blacks (L) contest the ball during the international test match between France and the New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France on November 9, 2013 in Paris, France.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)
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Israel Dagg of the All Blacks is tackled by Wesley Fofana of France during the international test match between France and the New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France on November 9, 2013 in Paris, France.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)
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Man of the match: A number of candidates from both sides but we couldn't look pastCharlie Piutau, who scored one try and brilliantly created New Zealand's other.
Moment of the match: France managed to get over the whitewash in the dying moments but the ball was obscured for the view of the cameras. Ask any Frenchman, and he'll tell you they deserved a draw.
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Charles Piutau of the All Blacks is tackled during the international test match between France and the New Zealand All Blacks at Stade de France on November 9, 2013 in Paris, France.
(November 8, 2013 - Source: Phil Walter/Getty Images Europe)
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next test:
16 nov
England v New Zealand
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France v Tonga
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