France 12-62 New Zealand
New Zealand moved top of the Four Nations table with victory
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Saturday, 31, Oct 2009 07:14
By Martyn Thomas.
New Zealand winger Sam Perrett scored a hat-trick as the Kiwis ran in 11 tries against a depleted France side.
The visitors' lead was just four points when James Wynne touched down early in the second half but as the home side tired, the Kiwis ran away with it, scoring eight second-half tries.
France went into the game with just 16 fit players after their squad was hit by illness, injury and suspension.
However, they did themselves proud in the first half and restricted the world champions to a 16-6 half-time lead.
Indeed, when Wynne got on the end of Thomas Bosc's chip through the score was 16-12, and France were well in the game.
Unfortunately though, the home side tired badly in the second half and New Zealand cut loose.
Perrett kick-started the second half rout when he went over in the corner after 51 minutes.
And by the time Junior Sau scored in the 62nd minute, after more good work from Perrett, the Kiwis had run in a further four tries and the score had rocketed from 16-12 to 46-12 in little over ten minutes.
Man of the match Perrett struck again before the end to complete his hat-trick as New Zealand scored another three tries.
The win leaves the Kiwis top of the Four Nations table and sets up a thrilling clash with England next week, with a place in the final at stake. France will hope to welcome back some of their missing players as they face Australia.