Rugby: Jack Goodhue makes winning start to All Blacks career

Jack Goodhue was yellow-carded but enjoyed a strong All Blacks debut regardless against a French XV. Photo / AP

Jack Goodhue proved he definitely has a future in the All Blacks jersey despite a late yellow card in their 28-23 victory over a determined French XV.

Goodhue showcased his top class distribution skills as he and Ngani Laumape played big roles in the win, potentially opening the world's eyes to a future test midfield combination.

His vision set up Liam Squire in the corner for their first try, firing a perfectly placed cut out ball to the roaming flanker in his first game on the tour.

Goodhue's size allows him to be both a strong carrier of the ball and an impactful defender and he showed the ability to do both, which will no doubt have impressed coach Steve Hansen.

However a late blip on his copybook debut put his teammates in a spot of bother for the last 15 minutes.

While covering back on defence, Goodhue took out centre Henry Chavancy without the ball as he was in support during a French raid.

Repeated big screen replays, much to Hansen's chagrin, persuaded referee Luke Pearce to take another look and duly hand out a yellow card.

Goodhue insisted the act wasn't deliberate even though replays suggested it was.

"I was ready to tackle him if he got the ball but ended up tripping on his foot," he said.

"I can see how they saw it so I'm not too bitter about it. It makes it more memorable I guess.

"It wasn't the perfect debut but I'm just glad the boys came away with the win in the end."

The All Blacks held on despite a late raid and Goodhue came back on to have the final say in the contest, booting the ball into touch.

Goodhue was in line to make his All Blacks debut in the Northern Tour opener after impressing for both the Crusaders and Northland throughout the 2017 season.

However, a bout of the mumps about two weeks before he was meant to leave with the All Blacks squad forced him out of contention for the Barbarians opener.

He said it has been a wild ride recently.

"It's been an absolute rollercoaster, the last few weeks. I couldn't believe it, it was the worst time for that," he said.

Despite the strong performance, Goodhue saw some things that need to be improved and that can only hold him in good stead going forward.

"I just have to get used to the occasion, I guess. I'll get another game soon enough and I just need to relax a bit more and play my instinctive game."