KEY POINTS:
PARIS - Two late tries tonight saved embattled New Zealand from their first rugby league Test loss to France in 27 years.
After heavy defeats to Australia and Great Britain over the past six weeks, Gary Kemble's Kiwis went into the clash at Stade Jean-Bouin looking for a
morale-boosting victory over the international minnows.
But John Monie's Tricolours led 8-0 early and 14-10 for 29 minutes of the second half, before centre Paul Whatuira and replacement Thomas Leuluai spared the visitors blushes with touchdowns in the final seven minutes.
"A relief, sure it is," said the under-pressure Kemble.
"I'm just happy for the boys. After all we've had to put up with and the effort they've put in this week and last week, they really deserve this.
"With about 20 minutes to go, you have thoughts about (losing) but we were pretty confident that...the way France was starting to wilt a little, we could score points."
The French started perfectly when second rower Eric Anselme crossed in the second minute from a ricochetting kick.
Tries to Louis Anderson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall regained the lead for the Kiwis but a wayward pass on his own line by fullback Sam Perrett allowed former New Zealand Warrior Justin Murphy to cross for France in the 45th minute.
France then defended their lead grimly but the introduction of Wigan's Leuluai proved decisive.
He set up the try for Wests Tiger Whatuira and scored one himself.
Earlier, Anselme had a try which could have extended the French lead to 20-10 disallowed by the video referee.
Coach Monie said: "We've improved in a lot of areas - we're tough enough now.
"We held our own in the middle of the park against the Kiwis, which is hard to do."
New Zealand prop Sam Rapira suffered severe concussion and was carried off on a stretcher when play was halted for several minutes while a hip injury prevented back rower Jeremy Smith playing any part in the second half.
NEW ZEALAND 22 (Louis Anderson, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Paul Whatuira, Thomas Leuluai tries; Ben Roberts 3 goals) bt FRANCE 16 (Eric Anselme, Cyril Stacul tries; Maxime Greseque 3 goals) at Stade Jean-Bouin, Paris. Referee: Ashley Klein (England). Crowd: 6781.
- AAP