All Blacks battle past galant France

The All Blacks won the second test but lost the silverware after prevailing 14-10 over France in a titanic rugby arm wrestle in Wellington tonight.

An improved New Zealand forward effort proved the difference in a contest spoiled as a spectacle by freezing conditions and constant rain.

Victory wasn't enough for the All Blacks to retain the Dave Gallaher Cup, which goes to the French for the first time since the countries began competing for it nine years ago. The hosts needed to win by six points or more to keep the silverware on points differential.

Both teams scored a try each -- including one of the great individual test tries by French winger Cedric Heymans, who brilliantly evaded four defenders -- but the All Blacks were deserved winners through creating more chances and winning the all-important territory battle.

There was a vast improvement in the physical exchanges that let them down so badly in the 27-22 first test loss at Dunedin last weekend.

Seeking a repeat of the their 2-0 series triumph in New Zealand 15 years ago, France were a danger to snatch it via some unlikely counter-attacking in the second spell that defied the conditions.

Swirling wind played havoc with the tactical kicking game of both teams, along with shots at goal, where France managed just two from six shots and New Zealand three from six.

Openside flanker Tanerau Latimer industrious at the breakdown in his first test start for the All Blacks while fellow-loose forwards Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino were also strong, along with hooker Keven Mealamu and lock Brad Thorn.

Both sides struggled to string together any expansive play, with All Blacks first five-eighth Stephen Donald enduring an error-prone evening, finding himself replaced in the final quarter by Luke McAlister.

Donald's botched a tricky penalty attempt in the third minute while French second five-eighth Damien Traille narrowly missed a dropped goal attempt soon afterwards as the game quickly descended into a territorial slog.