France 6 New Zealand 45

New Zealand ran in five tries as they crushed Six Nations champions France with a ruthless display in Paris.

The All Blacks had the edge in a tight first half, with France restricted to two penalties from Frederic Michalak.

Daniel Carter was on top form with the boot, kicking four penalties and converting a try from Rodney So'oialo as the All Blacks went in 19-6 ahead.

And the tourists dominated the second half with Jerry Collins, Carter, Byron Kelleher and Ma'a Nonu all going over.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry praised his players' character after the record victory.

"Attitude was everything ― I'm very proud of the performance and of the players," said Henry.

"It's our best performance of the year.  France were a better team than the England side we defeated in the summer.

"We have made tactical changes since the Tri-Nations and they really paid off for us."

France coach Bernard Laporte admitted his side could not compete with New Zealand's speed and strength.

"They were stronger and faster," said Laporte.

"We couldn't match them physically.  It's as simple as that.

"Our players gave everything, we cannot complain about that, but I had the feeling they had come up against a brick wall for 80 minutes."

"Fabien Pelous and Pieter de Villiers told me they had never played a game so intense."

Points Scorers:

France 6 (6)
Pens:  Michalak 2

New Zealand 45 (19)
Tries:  So'oialo, Collins, Carter, Kelleher, Nonu
Cons:  Carter 4
Pens:  Carter 4

The teams:

France:  Poitrenaud, Rougerie, Marsh, B Liebenberg, Heymans, Peyrelongue, Michalak, Marconnet, Servat, De Villiers, Thion, Pelous, Betsen, Magne, Harinordoquy.
Replacements:  Bruno, Milloud, Pape, Bonnaire, Barrau, Jauzion, Dominici.

New Zealand:  Muliaina, Howlett, Smith, Umuga, Rokocoko, Carter, Kelleher, Woodcock, Oliver, Hayman, N Maxwell, Jack, J Collins, McCaw, So'oialo.
Replacements:  Mealamu, Somerville, Williams, Tuiali'i, Weepu, Mauger, Nonu.

Referee:  Alain Rolland (Ireland).