Hence, it's a shame that the Stade de France didn't quite deliver a pitch that was worthy of the city's beauty let alone international rugby - not really helped by the intense rain prior to the game.
Alas, the game was still an absolute thriller - probably the closest match up we've seen between these two since the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final even if the pitch cut up very early on and made running rugby quite difficult.
Les Bleus appeared a much improved side after a torrid season and this will give their fickle fans plenty of optimism that they can be competitive this autumn and improve on their last place in the Six Nations earlier this year. However, they will need to cut down on the critical mistakes that ultimately cost them victory - including the hand in the scrum which gave the ABs the relieving penalty at the end of the game.
The first half was an absolute arm-wrestle as the French made all the running but couldn't break the line of the toughest defence in world rugby until late in the 2nd half.
Brodie Retallick was the leader of the ABs pack in tackles, having a massive night stopping the French from making any significant gains. Indeed, Les Bleus were their worst enemies at times, knocking the ball just as they were about to gain momentum.
Charles Piutau continued to star for the All Blacks, scoring the first try of the game from an opportunistic kick and proving to be very dangerous on the wing even if he wasn't afforded as much space as he got from Japan last weekend. He fashioned plenty of opportunities for his team-mates with his skilful running and ability to draw defenders including the second try to Kieran Read; Julian Savea might very well find it hard to get back into the starting XV based on this form.
Indeed, such is the rise of the young All Blacks, that the coaches could take off Dan Carter and replace him with Aaron Cruden in a tactical move to preserve Dan Carter for the tests against England and Ireland - such has been Aaron Cruden's form this season that they can place faith in him even in games like this.
The All Blacks now move on to their final big test of the season - sorry Ireland - next weekend against England at Twickenham.
Mission: To avenge their shock defeat last season. And you wouldn't bet against the ABs after this fine defensive performance in such a hostile environment.
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