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FWC: FRA v SWE live on SN ExtraAll Blacks star confident time pressures won’t hinder performance against France
Elena Abbott • July 1st, 2026 9:39 am
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
The All Blacks kick off their campaign this Saturday, and players are confident they know how to beat the French in Christchurch.
Training began soon after the Super Rugby final, leaving players less than two weeks to get familiar with new faces, including a brand-new coaching lineup.
Halfback Cam Roigard told Sport Nation Mornings the toughest part has been adapting to Dave Rennie’s leadership.
“We've only been in since Wednesday last week. It's very limited time regardless of whether it was a new coach in or not.
“It's hard enough as it is, but building that connection with the new coaching group is a challenge,” he said.
Neil Barnes (middle) with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selector Sir Graham Henry | Photo: Photosport
However, training has been going well for the team, with players understanding what they need to do to defeat France.
Fresh faces bring new talent, with German-born Blues player Anton Segner potentially facing his debut alongside Hurricanes champions Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby and Xavier Numia.
Roigard believes the squad is ready for the international season, saying skill sets and strategies are crucial for victory over the French.
“We've got so much talent across the board.
“Making sure we're going forward on defence and then staying in the collision to actually stop their ball, stop those offloads is going to be big for us,” he revealed.
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And with great expectation comes great pressure, with the All Blacks looking to retake the title of ‘best in the world’.
“We're expected to win every Test we play. And with that, we're trying to get better. We want to be the best in the world,” Roigard said.
The first match of the Nations Championship launches into action July 4 at 7.10pm (NZ Time).
Listen to the full interview below:
