The All Blacks have survived a scare to beat the understrength French in their opening test of the year.

Eight uncapped players have been selected in the French side for the first test.

How the players rated in the first test between the All Blacks and French.

How the players rated in the first test between the All Blacks and French.

The All Blacks fullback insists France will be hard to beat in the three-test series, despite the visitors leaving plenty of top players at home.

The Māori were reduced to 13 men by yellow cards, but could not find a winning try in the dying moments.

The Māori were reduced to 13 men by yellow cards, but could not find a winning try in the dying moments.

Three rookies are poised to debut as All Blacks ponder a reshuffle for first French test.

Three rookies are poised to debut as All Blacks ponder a reshuffle for first French test.

Listing the 15 best All Blacks-France encounters since the first test in 1906.