All Blacks weren’t flash either

players the injustices looked like an excuse to roll over rather than rage at the unfairness of it all.

When Paul Gabrillagues was shown the yellow card in the first test with the scores at 11-11 little did we know that the test series had just finished.

In the face of adversity the French wilted. It was only a poor All Blacks performance in the second test that prevented the score reaching 50. And then there is the fatigue factor. While New Zealanders agonise over the All Blacks’ energy levels – justifiably – in November, weariness barely rates a mention when touring sides come here at the end of their seasons.

Indeed, the All Blacks were so concerned about tiredness last year they even devised a strategy to counter it.

France had a strategy too – they left some of their best players at home, including captain Guilhem Guirado.

And boy were they tired. It was prop Uini Atonio who made the bad read that opened up the hole for McKenzie to scoot through for his second try in Dunedin. The big man is not the nimblest in any case but that error had mental exhaustion written all over it.

It was a repeat of the Welsh series of 2016, when the All Blacks put 46 on the tourists in Dunedin.

The All Blacks, in patches, looked electric. Of course they do with their lineup of talent.

There is no better sight in world rugby than All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane in full flight, while Waisake Naholo had an under-rated game on the opposite wing.

But as we move into the Rugby Championship, against sides that won’t go away, this French series will remain relevant only for the angst it caused at the way the game is officiated.

The All Blacks, in patches, looked electric. Of course they do with their lineup of talent.