Hamilton: New Zealand captain Ardie Savea said his side were "punched in the nose" despite recovering to beat France 29-19 and complete a series clean sweep. Having trailed 10-0 early on and 19-17 at half-time, the All Blacks only took the lead with 20 minutes to go against an under-strength French team in Hamilton.

According to BBC, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert-Brown, DuPlessis Kirifi, and debutant Brodie McAlister all crossed for New Zealand while Racing 92 scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec starred for France, converting his own early try and striking three penalties. Savea noted the team's ability to build phases and pressure, converting it into points as a crucial factor in their comeback.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson commented on the team's resilience, stating that the match would be beneficial for the team's experience. "We'll be better for the experience as a group. Ten points down at one stage and we found a way, played some really good footy and were better for it," said Robertson.

Later on Saturday, South Africa's debutant Marnus van der Merwe scored two first-half tries, helping the Springboks to thrash Georgia 55-10 in a one-off Test in Nelspruit. Despite Vano Karkadze crossing inside three minutes to give Georgia a shock lead, the Springboks responded with nine tries, extending their unbeaten run to eight matches.