New Zealand beat France 34-32 in Christchurch to open the Nations Championship, but nobody should mistake this for a clean launch.
The All Blacks won by five tries to four. Ardie Savea and Will Jordan scored two each. France pushed them to the final minutes, cut the gap to two points through Matthieu Jalibert, and left with enough evidence to feel furious and encouraged at the same time.
That is exactly the sort of opening the new competition needed.
France made it awkward from the start
Associated Press reported that France scored through Damian Penaud after two minutes in a move that also led to a yellow card for New Zealand fly half Ruben Love.
That early flashpoint gave the match its edge. New Zealand had to play with 14 men, France had the first punch, and the All Blacks still found a way to score while short handed.
It was not tidy. It was watchable.
Rennie's All Blacks have bite and homework
Dave Rennie's first Nations Championship match as New Zealand head coach gave him a win, but not much comfort.
The All Blacks were ambitious, dangerous and too loose for long stretches. Savea and Jordan gave them enough finishing power to build a nine point lead with 10 minutes left, but Jalibert's late try dragged France back within two and left Christchurch holding its breath.
New Zealand have now extended their home winning streak against France to 17 years, according to Associated Press. That is history. The 34-32 scoreline is the warning label.
This rivalry belongs in the front window
The Nations Championship needs matches that feel bigger than a fixture list. New Zealand against France did that job straight away.
It had pace, jeopardy, a disciplinary debate and two sides with enough ambition to make mistakes interesting. France lost, but they did not look secondary. New Zealand won, but they did not look settled.
For a new tournament, that is gold.
Reporting: Associated Press, Read Rugby Union.