|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Four players are set to make their debuts for the All Blacks in the first test against France in Dunedin this Saturday night.
Lock Fabian Holland and loose forward Christian Lio-Willie are named in a strong starting 14, while prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi will debut off the bench.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson says the uncapped players have worked hard to get to this point and are ready to step into the test arena.
“This is a huge moment for these men and their families – we are all thrilled for them,” he says.
“For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of a Dunedin home crowd and I am sure Fabian’s Highlanders supporters and Christian’s Otago fans will be out in full force.
“Ollie and Du’Plessis have both shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready.”
An experienced front row of local hero Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will face the French pack, with recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and seven-test prop Pasilio Tosi in the reserves.
Captain Scott Barrett pairs with Holland at lock and Samipeni Finau prepares to make an impact off the bench.
Tupou Vaa’i will start at blindside flanker, a position he has occasionally played for the All Blacks and Chiefs.
Vice-captain Ardie Savea will wear the No.7 jersey and Kirifi will provide loose forward cover.
Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett start and 9 and 10 respectively, with Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie set for impact roles.
Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will combine in the midfield, with Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan in the back three, and test recall Quinn Tupaea providing cover.
“Facing France is always special – they bring intensity, flair, and physicality,” Robertson says.
“As a group we have had a fantastic 10 days together, preparing for the three-test series ahead of us.
“We are ready for the challenge and what better place to kick it off than under the roof in Dunedin, in front of a packed home crowd.”
All Blacks match-day 23 (test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (29)
2. Codie Taylor (96)
3. Fletcher Newell (22
4. Scott Barrett (80) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland
6. Tupou Vaa’i (38)
7. Ardie Savea (94) (Vice-Captain)
8. Christian Lio-Willie *
9. Cam Roigard (10)
10. Beauden Barrett (134)
11. Rieko Ioane (81)
12. Jordie Barrett (68) (Vice-Captain)
13. Billy Proctor (2)
14. Sevu Reece (32)
15. Will Jordan (41)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (30)
17. Ollie Norris *
18. Pasilio Tosi (7)
19. Samipeni Finau (8)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi *
21. Cortez Ratima (11)
22. Quinn Tupaea (14)
23. Damian McKenzie (61)
