Challenge is 'immense'

GALTHIE: LES BLEUS HOPE TO MAINTAIN STRANGLEHOLD ON THE ALL BLACKS

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Fabien Galthie's France welcome in-form New Zealand to Paris today with the hosts hoping to build on the victories they chalked up in their two most recent meetings with the All Blacks.

The French hammered them on a cold November evening in 2021 before taking the spoils in last year's rip-roaring Rugby World Cup opener, both at a packed Stade de France.

New Zealand, who enjoyed a 14-match winning streak stretching back to 2009 before those two defeats, are now coached by Scott Robertson, who has steadied the ship in recent weeks after a slow start to his tenure.

Three straight wins over the past month, over Japan, England and Ireland come after an unconvincing June tour and Rugby Championship campaign.