New Zealand 52-11 France: All Blacks turn on the power in second-half blitz

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Highlights from Eden Park where New Zealand overturned a half-time deficit to thrash France 52-11.

A questionable yellow card to France lock Paul Gabrillagues allowed New Zealand to score three quick tries and set up a thumping 52-11 victory in the first Test of their three-match series at Eden Park on Saturday.

With the match locked at 11-11 early in the second half, Gabrillagues was sin-binned by English referee Luke Pearce for a high tackle on Ryan Crotty, but television replays showed the 25-year-old was nowhere near the inside centre's neck or head.

Codie Taylor and Ben Smith scored tries while Gabrillagues was off the field, and Rieko Ioane added a third just seconds after the lock returned to ease the All Blacks 19 points clear with 20 minutes remaining.

Rieko Ioane of the All Blacks scored a try despite the attentions of Teddy Thomas

Damian McKenzie, Ngani Laumape, Ioane and Ardie Savea all scored tries as the All Blacks opened the visitors up in the final quarter to clinch a 12th successive win over France, and continue their 24-year unbeaten run at Eden Park.

Despite the yellow card blowing the game open, the world champions had started to look ominous by dominating possession and territory and it looked like it would only be a matter of time before the French finally crumbled.

The fact France held an 11-8 half-time lead was testament to their defensive strength, epitomised by their stinging goal-line tackling when the All Blacks hammered away in the final few minutes before the break to no success.

Anthony Belleau makes a break for France

Up until that point, the visitors had lived on All Blacks mistakes with Remy Grosso's early try set up after a poor attacking kick had allowed Teddy Thomas to counter and set up field position.

The All Blacks, however, had turned the ball over only for Ben Smith to pass the ball straight to Grosso.

Both of Morgan Parra's first-half penalties were also needless, with Aaron Smith's decision to backchat Pearce costing his side 10 metres and putting the France scrumhalf within kicking range the worst of the transgressions.

Beauden Barrett in action

Despite the All Blacks' errors, they did look dangerous when they had the ball in hand with Beauden Barrett's try the result of some superb interplay with his two brothers.

The All Blacks fly-half evened the score with his second penalty in the 48th minute but when Gabrillagues was carded three minutes later, the home side cut loose as they scored seven tries in the second half.

The second test is in Wellington next week with the third in Dunedin on June 23.