All Blacks Name Revamped Lineup For Final France Test In Hamilton
All Blacks Name Revamped Lineup For Final France Test In Hamilton
The All Blacks reveal their squad for their third France test in Hamilton, with key returns and a debut. Watch live and exclusively in the U.S. on FloRugby.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named a refreshed and reenergized squad to face France in the third, and final, test of the Lipovitan-D July Series this Saturday night at FMG Stadium Waikato, where New Zealand will look to seal a clean sweep over Les Bleus.
The match will be shown live, and exclusively, on FloRugby for audiences in the United States.
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Seven players in the 23-man squad will feature for the first time this season, with one eye-catching debut set to unfold.
Hooker Brodie McAlister has been named on the bench and is in line to become the sixth All Blacks debutant of 2025 - if he takes the field in Hamilton.
The starting XV sees the return of several seasoned campaigners from injury, with prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forward Luke Jacobson and backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Sevu Reece all back in black.
Fullback Ruben Love earns his second cap, following his test debut earlier this month.
In the reserves, three players will wear the jersey for the first time this season: prop George Bower, loose forward Dalton Papali’i and halfback Noah Hotham.
“There is high motivation and focus to perform in Hamilton this week,” Robertson said. “We are prepared for a determined and spirited French side, and we're excited to play in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury. With 185 caps between them, we know they will be ready to perform at the highest level.
"It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap. These men have earned their place.”
Captain Ardie Savea, set to earn his 97th test cap, will lead a side that blends returning firepower with new blood.
Damian McKenzie continues at fly-half, while Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece form an explosive wing pairing. Vice-captain Patrick Tuipulotu and youngster Fabian Holland anchor the second row.
Saturday’s clash marks the first time the All Blacks have faced France in Hamilton. Interestingly, France has played in the city twice before — both against Waikato, in 1961 and 1979 — losing on both occasions. The Tricolores have never won in Hamilton.
New Zealand holds a dominant record over France, having won 50 of the 66 previous meetings, including last weekend’s milestone 50th test victory. The All Blacks have swept all four previous three-test series between the two nations.
With a clean sweep on the line, and pride at stake for the French, fireworks are expected under the lights.
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 3 a.m. Eastern, and viewers in the United States can catch all the action live on FloRugby.
New Zealand All Blacks Roster
1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (vc), 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Samipeni Finau, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 8 Luke Jacobson, 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Damian McKenzie, 11 Rieko Ioane, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 14 Sevu Reece, 15 Ruben Love.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister*, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Will Jordan.
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