The All Blacks will kick off their 2026 season and the inaugural Nations Championship when they play France at Christchurch’s One New Zealand Stadium this Saturday night.
Head Coach Dave Rennie, along with co-selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes, have named a team that could see two players make their All Blacks debut.
Saturday 4 July: All Blacks vs France, 19:05PM (NZST).
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (40)
2. Codie Taylor (106)
3. Fletcher Newell (35)
4. Josh Lord (12)
5. Sam Darry (8 )
6. Peter Lakai (8 )
7. Luke Jacobson (24)
8. Ardie Savea (106) (Captain)
9. Cam Roigard (17)
10. Ruben Love (5)
11. Caleb Clarke (33)
12. Jordie Barrett (78)
13. Quinn Tupaea (24)
14. Will Jordan (54)
15. Damian McKenzie (74)
16. Asafo Aumua (20)
17. Xavier Numia *
18. Tyrel Lomax (48)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (56)
20. Wallace Sititi (19)
21. Cortez Ratima (21)
22. Billy Proctor (11)
23. Fehi Fineanganofo *
Unavailable due to injury: Tupou Vaa’i (concussion)
An experienced front row of Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will be backed up by Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax and uncapped prop, Xavier Numia.
Impressive young locks, Josh Lord and Sam Darry, take the starting spots and Patrick Tuipulotu will bring experience and physicality from the reserves. Tupou Vaa’i has been ruled out for this match while he continues to recover from concussion.
Peter Lakai and Luke Jacobson will wear the All Blacks 6 and 7 jerseys for the first time respectively, while Captain Ardie Savea completes the starting loose forward trio and Wallace Sititi provides cover.
Dynamic duo Cam Roigard and Ruben Love will direct play in the backs, with Love making his first start at 10 for the All Blacks, and Cortez Ratima covering halfback.
A strong midfield combination of Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea will have Billy Proctor for impact cover.
The back three consists of Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan on the wings, and Damian McKenzie at fullback. Outside back Fehi Fineanganofo will prepare to make his All Blacks debut off the bench.
Rennie said the 23 is reflective of Super Rugby form, as well as crucial Test match experience.
“There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances. We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.
“We know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert. We’ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves,” Rennie said.
“It is an honour to play the first Test match at the new Christchurch stadium and to bring the All Blacks back to this proud rugby region. What a way to start our season, playing under the roof in front of a sold-out stadium.”
MATCH FACTS
• It is four years since the All Blacks have played in Christchurch (Argentina in 2022) and 13 years since the French last played there (a 30-0 loss in 2013) .
• France and New Zealand have previously played each other 67 times, with the All Blacks winning 51 of those. France have only beaten the All Blacks four times on New Zealand soil.
• This will be the 10th Test match for France in Christchurch, with just one resulting in a loss for the All Blacks. That was in 1994, when the match at Lancaster Park was lost 8-22.
