All Blacks fall short of defensive record

Francois Trinh-Duc's try was the first five-pointer the All Blacks had conceded since last year's Bledisloe Cup test in Hong Kong. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks blew a golden chance to beat their own test record for frugal defence during Saturday night's 27-22 loss to France at Carisbrook.

Going into the match, coach Graham Henry's team hadn't conceded a try for 375 minutes of test play, dating back to the first half of last October's defeat of Australia in Hong Kong.

They went through their November Grand Slam tour without having their tryline crossed in the four tests and moved to the verge of the 411-minute shutout achieved by the All Blacks of 1963-64.

Needing keep the French at bay for 37 minutes, the All Blacks couldn't do it, conceding a soft try to first five-eighth Francois Trinh-Duc in the 18th minute to end their frugal run.

They went on to concede two more tries, prompting Henry - who is the defensive coach - to nominate that part of their game as one of many in need of work.

- NZPA