New Zealand claimed their first win under coach Gary Kemble with an unconvincing 22-14 win over France in Paris on Saturday evening.

A 3-0 Test series loss to Great Britain and a 58-0 loss at the hands of Australia made for a miserable international season for the Kiwis.

The poor performances from New Zealand have left many wondering if Kemble will stay in the job long enough to lead his side into the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

The Kiwis struggled against a hard-working French side but eventually earned their only win of the tour thanks to late tries from Paul Whatuira and Thomas Leuluai.

France claimed a shock lead after three minutes through Eric Anselme but the New Zealanders hit back through Louis Anderson and Shaun Kenny Dowall.

Cyril Stacul put the home side back in front after the half-time interval and only a controversial video referee decision prevented Anselme from putting the French further into the lead.

The decision proved to be a crucial one for the visitors who managed to claim a late win with tries from Whatuira and Leuluai edging them into the lead.