The All Blacks have unveiled their Test lineup, including four uncapped players, for Saturday’s opening Test against France in Dunedin.
Coach Scott Robertson praised the debutants’ performances in Super Rugby, highlighting lock Fabian Holland and No 8 Christian Lio-Willie as standout stories.
Holland, born in the Netherlands, moved to New Zealand aged 16 and has risen through the Highlanders and Otago systems, while Lio-Willie secured a starting role following Wallace Sititi’s ankle injury.
BLENDING YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE
The four fresh faces selected by the All Blacks are starters Holland and Lio-Willie and benched duo Ollie Norris and Du’Plessis Kirifi.
Up front, Scott Barrett retains the captaincy, the back row features Ardie Savea at openside, Tupou Vaa’i at blindside, and debutant Lio-Willie at eighthman.
In the backline, Beauden Barrett begins at flyhalf, with Damian McKenzie poised for impact off the bench. Robertson also shifted Rieko Ioane to the wing, making way for Billy Proctor in the midfield.
ALL BLACKS BOSS EXCITED TO FRONT LES BLEUS
Reflecting on the squad, Robertson emphasised preparedness: “Facing France is always special; they bring intensity, flair, and physicality”.
He expects a raucous Dunedin atmosphere and praised the players’ training response over the past ten days. With a blend of international experience and debutant energy, New Zealand looks to kick off the Test series with a commanding home victory.
All Blacks: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie.
WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THIS ALL BLACKS TEAM?
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