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Sport Nation
Three changes for All Blacks second Test against France
Sport Nation • July 10th, 2025 10:40 am
Photo: Photosport
The All Blacks have named their matchday squad for the second Test against France at Sky Stadium in Wellington this Saturday, with three changes to the line-up that won in Dunedin last weekend.
Captain Scott Barrett and wing Sevu Reece will both miss the match, with Barrett ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a calf injury.
Reece, who suffered a head knock early in the first Test, will also be sidelined. Rieko Ioane will shift to the right wing, with Caleb Clarke filling his spot on the left - marking his first start in black this season.
With Barrett unavailable, Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu slots into the No. 4 lock position, forming a new partnership with Fabian Holland, impressing on debut last week.
In Barrett's absence, Ardie Savea will take over as captain for the rest of the series, with Cody Taylor - playing his 98th Test - assuming the role of vice-captain alongside Jordie Barrett.
One of the most exciting inclusions is Timoci Tavatavanawai, who has been named to make his All Blacks debut off the bench.
Steve Devine makes All Blacks case for Highlanders' Timoci Tavatavanawai | The Bunnings Trade Rugby Run
Tavatavanawai was exceptional with the Highlanders during this season’s Super Rugby Pacific. He has a chance to become the fifth debutant of the series this far.
“Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,” Scott Robertson said.
“It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm. We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.”
Kick-off for the second Test is at 7:05pm, the All Blacks will be looking to secure the series win.
All Blacks team to play France in Wellington
15. Will Jordan, 14. Rieko Ioane, 13. Billy Proctor, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 10. Beauden Barrett, 9. Cam Roigard, 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 7. Ardie Savea (captain), 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 5. Fabian Holland, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 3. Fletcher Newell, 2. Codie Taylor, 1. Ethan de Groot.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Samipeni Finau, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Damian McKenzie.
Scott Robertson on nailing the aerial game for Wellington Test vs France
