Rennie names Love to start for All Blacks against France
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All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has selected Super Rugby Pacific star Ruben Love to start at first-five in the opening test of 2026.
Rennie has also named debutants Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia on the bench in what is the first test of the Nations Championship against France in Christchurch on Saturday.
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Veteran Beauden Barrett has been omitted from the 23, with Damian McKenzie getting the nod at fullback and Will Jordan taking the No 14 wing jersey.
In the hotly contested mid-field, Quinn Tupaea wins the race for centre with Billy Proctor on the pine, while Luke Jacobson has edged out Wallace Sititi to start at openside, skipper Ardie Savea at number eight.
Sam Darry and Josh Lord start at lock with Tupou Vai'i on concussion protocol.
Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell start in the front row.
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."
Three are four players in the starting XV from the Hurricanes, four from the Chiefs, three who play for the Crusaders, two from the Blues and one from the Highlanders in de Groot.
All Blacks team to play France:
15 Damian McKenzie
14 Will Jordan
13 Quinn Tupaea
12 Jordie Barrett
11 Caleb Clarke
10 Ruben Love
9 Cam Roigard
8 Ardie Savea (captain)
7 Luke Jacobson
6 Peter Lakai
5 Sam Darry
4 Josh Lord
3 Fletcher Newell
2 Codie Taylor
1 Ethan de Groot:
Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia *, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor, Fehi Fineanganofo *.
* Denotes new test cap
Tupou Vaa'i not selected because of concussion