A questionable yellow card to French lock Paul Gabrillagues has allowed New Zealand to score three quick tries in a 52-11 thumping of Les Blues in the first Test at Eden Park.

With the match locked at 11-11 early in Saturday’s second half, Gabrillagues was sinbinned by English referee Luke Pearce for a high tackle on Ryan Crotty.

Replays, however, showed the 25-year-old was nowhere near the inside centre’s neck or head.

Codie Taylor and Ben Smith scored tries while Gabrillagues was off the field, and Rieko Ioane added a third just seconds after the lock returned to ease the All Blacks 19 points clear with 20 minutes remaining.

Damian McKenzie, Ngani Laumape and Ardie Savea all scored tries as the All Blacks opened the visitors up in the final quarter to clinch a 12th-successive win over France and continue their 24-year unbeaten run at Eden Park.

Saturday’s Test was the first of a three-match series.