WELLINGTON, New Zealand — The All Blacks head coach, Scott Robertson, has introduced four new players to his squad for the upcoming rugby test against France, set to take place in Dunedin this Saturday. The noteworthy inclusion in the starting lineup is Fabian Holland, originally from the Netherlands, while Crusaders backrower, Christian Lio-Willie, has also earned a starting position. On the bench, Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Hurricanes backrower Du’Plessis Kirifi await their chance to make an impact.
The 22-year-old Holland, who relocated from his birthplace of the Netherlands to Christchurch as a teenager, honed his skills in high school rugby before joining the Dunedin-based Highlanders. His journey started at the age-group level and eventually led to a spot in Super Rugby. Lio-Willie, initially brought in as a contingency for the injured Chiefs backrower Luke Jacobson, has been elevated to the starting team, stepping in for Wallace Sititi, the previous year’s World Rugby Breakout Player, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. Lio-Willie is set to play as No. 8, joining forces with Ardie Savea on the openside flank and Tupou Vaa’i in the lock position on the blindside.
“This is a significant milestone for these players and their families,” Robertson commented on the new introductions to the team. “The excitement is palpable among us. Having Fabian and Christian debut in a home match in Dunedin will be memorable, and no doubt, fans from the Highlanders and Otago will show their support in numbers. Ollie and Du’Plessis displayed exceptional form in Super Rugby this year, reaffirming their readiness for the challenge ahead.”
Robertson has shifted regular outside center Rieko Ioane to the right wing with Billy Proctor filling the No. 13 jersey for his third test appearance, alongside Jordie Barrett in the midfield, making a comeback after playing for Leinster in Ireland. Notably, all three Barrett brothers are part of the starting lineup, with Beauden at flyhalf and captaining Scott holding the lock position alongside Holland. Will Jordan will take the fullback role, while Damian McKenzie is listed on the bench, and the left wing will see Sevu Reece in action.
Facing an understrength French team, France chose to exclude players from the Top 14 final between Bordeaux-Bègles and Toulouse, which occurred the prior weekend. Despite not fielding their top squad, France has demonstrated an uncanny ability to topple the All Blacks unexpectedly. In their last encounter in November, France secured a narrow 30-29 victory, marking their third consecutive win against the All Blacks, equaling their best record from 1994-95.
“Playing against France is always significant,” Robertson remarked. “They bring an energy, flair, and robustness to the game. Our team has thoroughly enjoyed the past ten days preparing for the forthcoming three-test series.”
On the flip side, France’s coach, Fabien Galthié, has introduced five newcomers to his largely untested lineup. Noteworthy among them in the backs are Joris Segonds at flyhalf and Tom Spring on the right wing. In the forwards, debuts await Giorgi Beria at prop, Tyler Duguid at lock, and Alexandre Fischer at flanker.
The reserves also feature less experienced players as the Six Nations champions have omitted leading wingers, Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud, with star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont absent due to recovering from a knee injury. In Galthié’s lineup, only three players have more than a decade of test experience: captain Gaël Fickou in center with 94 caps, seasoned prop Rabah Slimani (57 caps), and left winger Gabin Villière (18 caps).
Galthié explained, “Balancing the demands of the Six Nations, November tests, Top 14, and European Cup leaves us no choice for the summer tour. Ahead of departure, I asked the squad, ‘The odds are against us. Are you game?’ They were unanimously up for the challenge.”
In a midfield set to face a robust test in Dunedin, scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec (10 caps) will team up with Segonds. Robertson’s side, brimming with seasoned stalwarts, presents a tough hurdle for France’s relatively fresh ensemble.
Responding to critiques from the New Zealand media, particularly former halfback Justin Marshall, Galthié stood firm, remarking, “I fully understand the global bewilderment regarding why the successful squad from November and Six Nations isn’t playing. We have our strategic reasons.” Following this clash, the teams will meet again for their second test in Wellington on July 12, followed by a concluding match in Hamilton the following week.