Autumn in the French capital is normally a relaxed tranquil time to stroll the boulevards, as the leaves begin to fall, the colours add an extra dimension to this already beautiful city.

This year things are different, there are signs that the bright red, orange and brown flora has a new kid on the block joining them, the black fern.

Blowing up from the south, the black fern threatened to spoil the native tranquillity and put the residents in the shade.

France however had no intention of turning over a new leaf, but rather to continue with the power, beauty, and brilliance that has served them so well over recent years.

Yesterday morning the city was covered in a chilly clawing blanket of fog and as the mists floated eerily above the Seine it was a timely reminder that Winter is just a side step away.

New Zealand arrived at the Stade de France with impressive victories against England and Ireland under their belt, not bad for a side in transition.

The last time these two teams met was in the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World on 8 September 2023. There were thirteen survivors from that home win (27-13). Seven in the All Blacks starting line up and six in Les Bleus.

82,000 fell silent as they were plunged into darkness to witness a spine tingling Haka with just a single spotlight shining solely on the All Blacks. It set the scene beautifully for a brutal first half, in which the New Zealand scrum shoved the French eight back almost as far as the Gare du Nord.

Tries for the white shirted All Blacks from early replacement Peter Lakai and scrum-half Cam Roigard took New Zealand into an early lead. New boy Romain Buros cut a line that D’Artagnan would have proud of to score a 36th minute try on his international debut.

The All Blacks led 17-10 at half-time and were more than worthy of their lead.

France came out all guns blazing after a gentle chat from Shaun Edwards after just four minutes of the restart Paul Boudehent crashed over from a driving maul, Ramos converted, and it was all square at 17-17.

Seven minutes later, Louis Bielle-Biarrey broke the land speed record chasing a kick ahead to touch down. As the smoke cleared from his boots, Ramos popped over the conversion and France led 24-17 and there was daylight between the two team in the Parisian darkness.

On the 67th minute it was time for musical chairs as only the French can perform it. Dupont moved to fly half, Ramos to full back, Le Garrec came on as scrum-half and Mauvaka moved from hooker to the back row.

Penalties were exchanged between replacement All Black fly half Damian McKenzie and the faultless Frenchman Thomas Ramos and with five minutes remaining France led 30-29 it was squeaky derrière time but Les Bleus held on for victory in a pulsating match.

As Saturday night drifted into Sunday morning, the crowd raced Bielle-Biarrey style to catch the last metro, Le jour de gloire est arrivé.

Mike Pearce is the Author of The Bleus Brothers available from Amazon £7.99 post free. https://amzn.eu/d/6H8pN8D