The New Zealand International Pétanque Open Triples tournament brings players from all over the world to Auckland for three days of competition each year.
Despite it being a Frenchman's game, Sunday’s finals were played at the Herne Bay Pétanque Club.
France did claim top honours, though, winning the final after denying the Kiwis earlier in the day when the two met in the quarter-finals.
New Zealand’s top player, Georgio Vakauta, has won the event five times over 16 years but told 1 NEWS the French were like the All Blacks of the sport.
"It raises the level 10 storeys higher," Vakauta said.
"We dominate in rugby, they basically dominate in pétanque.
"It’s quite tough. You’ve got to really up your game to beat them."
Other nations represented at this year’s event included Tahiti, New Caledonia and Australia.
"It gives you a little bit of flavour, a little bit of competition."
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