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Sport Nation
Razor selects quartet of debutants for All Blacks' season-opener against France
Sport Nation • July 3rd, 2025 11:57 am
Photo: Photosport
Coach Scott Robertson has revealed his first matchday squad of the international season for the opening Test against France in Dunedin on Saturday.
Crusaders stand-out Christian Lio-Willie will be awarded his debut cap off the back of the scrum, with Ardie Savea shifting to openside flanker and Tupou Vaa'i moving from his regular position at lock to blindside.
Also running out for the first time in black will be Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, who'll pack down in the second-row alongside skipper Scott Barrett.
Upfront, Fletcher Newell has been handed the start at prop next to Ethan de Groot and Codie Taylor.
Beauden Barrett has won the race for the No. 10 jersey in a halves pairing with Cam Roigard, while Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima will provide impact off the bench.
Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett form the midfield, with Robertson opting to move Rieko Ioane out to his original position on the wing, with Sevu Reece his cohort. Quinn Tupaea is back in the fold for the first time since 2022, backing up in the centres.
Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi and Chiefs prop Ollie Norris have both earned a place on the bench, putting them in line to also earn their first international caps.
Recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho prop Pasilio Tosi will come off the pine, as will flanker Samipeni Finau.
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"This is a huge moment for these men and their families," Robertson said of the debutants. "We are all thrilled for them.
"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.”
The All Blacks play the first of three Tests against the under-strength French at Forsyth Barr this weekend, before the series moves to Wellington, then finishes up in Hamilton.
All Blacks team to play France in Dunedin: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.
