All Blacks named for series against France

The All Blacks squash has been named to face France in New Zealand PHOTO: ALL BLACKS

No major surprises in the All Blacks squad to face France next month with Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and outside back Timoci Tavatavanawai the two new players of note.

Also new are front rowers Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlisteir and JHurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirif.

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A couple of key players to have missed out are the Crusaders duo of Ethan Blackadder and David Havili.

In naming his first squad of the year, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he and his fellow selectors had balanced continuity and opportunity.

“Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year. We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific,” Robertson said.

Scott Barrett returns as All Blacks Captain, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett as his Vice-Captains.

“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie. They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.”

“For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – this is a particularly special day. These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad. We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks,” Robertson said.

The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured for the All Blacks since 2023 and 2022 respectively.

“These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year. We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”

The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on 25 June to begin preparations for the first Test against France on 5 July in Dunedin.

Fixtures:

Saturday July 5, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Saturday July 12, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, Sky Stadium, Wellington

Saturday July 19, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Hookers:

Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister*

Props:

Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris*, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi

Locks:

Scott Barrett (c), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’I, Fabian Holland*

Loose forwards:

Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea (vc), Du’Plessis Kirifi*, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson

Halfbacks:

Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham

First-five eighths:

Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders:

Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett (vc), Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai*

Outside backs:

Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Injury Cover

(The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the France series)

Christian Lio-Willie for Luke Jacobson

Emoni Narawa for Anton Lienert-Brown

Unavailable due to injury:

Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta