All Blacks selectors Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named their team for the third and final test against France in the Lipovitan-D July Series at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (31)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (32)
3. Tyrel Lomax (44)
4. Patrick Tuipulotu (54) (Vice-Captain)
5. Fabian Holland (2)
6. Samipeni Finau (10)
7. Ardie Savea (96) (Captain)
8. Luke Jacobson (24)
9. Cortez Ratima (13)
10. Damian McKenzie (63)
11. Rieko Ioane (83)
12. Quinn Tupaea (15)
13. Anton Lienert-Brown (84)
14. Sevu Reece (33)
15. Ruben Love (1)
16. Brodie McAlister *
17. George Bower (22)
18. Fletcher Newell (25)
19. Dalton Papali’i (36)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (2)
21. Noah Hotham (1)
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (1)
23. Will Jordan (43)
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Scott Barrett (calf); Caleb Clarke (ankle); Tupou Vaa’i (concussion); Beauden Barrett (hand)
Seven players in the 23 have been named for the first time this season, and one player is set to debut this Saturday night when the All Blacks aim to close out the Lipovitan-D July Series with a third win against France.
Hooker Brodie McAlister will become the sixth debutant of the season if he comes off the bench to replace starting hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forward Luke Jacobson and backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Sevu Reece have all returned from injury to take a spot in the starting line-up, while Ruben Love will earn his second All Blacks cap playing at fullback.
In the reserves, prop George Bower, loose forward Dalton Papali’i and halfback Noah Hotham will all pull on the black jersey for the first time in 2025.
Head Coach Scott Robertson said there was a healthy edge in the camp this week, knowing that the French will throw everything at this final game of the series.
“There is high motivation and focus to perform in Hamilton this week. We are prepared for a determined and spirited French side, and excited to play in front of a passionate sold-out crowd.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury and, with 185 caps between them, we know that they will be ready to perform at the highest level. It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap. These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night.”
Match facts
- This Saturday will be the first time the All Blacks have played France in Hamilton. France have played two previous games in Hamilton in 1961 and 1979, both against Waikato. Waikato won both games, so France have never won in Hamilton.
- New Zealand and France have played four previous three-match series, with the All Blacks achieving a clean sweep in each.
- Last weekend marked New Zealand's 50th test victory over France. Overall, there have now been 66 matches with New Zealand winning 50; France winning 15 and one draw.
