All Blacks coach Scott Robertson stated that he will “trust the young guys” to finish off a series win against France. This comes after he announced 10 changes to the starting lineup on Thursday for the third and final Test.
Robertson kept his promise to give playing time to every healthy player in his original squad as he prepared for Saturday’s game in Hamilton. Several players who participated in last week’s 43-17 win in the second Test in Wellington have been left out, even though they found some rhythm after a close first match that ended 31-27 in Dunedin.
Hooker Brodie McAlister is ready to make his Test debut from the bench, while fullback Ruben Love will start for the first time after getting one cap as a substitute against Japan last year.
Love and McAlister are part of eight players who did not play in the first two Tests against a weakened French team that is resting most of its top players. Only wing Rieko Ioane remains from last week’s starting backline.
Robertson built a reputation for making few unnecessary changes during his first season as coach last year. However, with the series already won, he wants to focus on developing player depth for the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup. “When opportunities arise, you have to take them; you need to get these guys out there,” Robertson told reporters on Thursday. “It’s about trusting the younger players and helping them succeed.”
“It was very important for us to approach this next team with respect.
“The French have used many players, and they are a tough opponent. They take pride in their game, so we expect a challenging week ahead.”
Robertson felt reassured knowing that three of the new starting players—prop Tyrel Lomax, flyhalf Damian McKenzie, and midfield back Anton Lienert-Brown—have all played over 50 Tests.
McKenzie, an instinctive playmaker, is one of seven starters who play for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, based in Hamilton.
He will take the place of Beauden Barrett, a veteran with 136 Tests under his belt, who hurt his hand during practice and needs a scan. Robertson mentioned that he thinks the injury is not serious.”
Ardie Savea has been appointed captain for the second match in a row since regular captain Scott Barrett is sidelined with a calf injury he sustained in the first Test. France’s coach, Fabien Galthie, is also likely to make major changes to his lineup, which will be revealed later on Thursday.
New Zealand’s team includes: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, and 1 Ethan de Groot.
The substitutes are: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, and 23 Will Jordan.
Date: Saturday, July 19
Location: Waikato Stadium in Hamilton
Kick-off time: 19:05 (09:05 French time; 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Damian Schneider (Argentina) & Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
