All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 July
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ
It's fair to say last weekend's first test was a unique one, because it's not often the All Blacks fail to rack up a predicted scoreline and the reaction being one of mostly acceptance. The main takeaway was the bravery of the French effort and the proving of the depth their domestic competition has, which was appreciated by the public and sets up an interesting return match.
The All Blacks had three tries disallowed by the TMO last weekend, so sharpening up their finishing and making sure the attack is clicking has been the priority. Meanwhile, it's hard to get a read on the French selection but it's likely their gameplan won't deviate too much.
Scott Robertson. Photo: John Cowpland / action press
Team lists
All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Will Jordan
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
France: 1. Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Gaetan Barlot (c), 3. Georges-Henri Colombe, 4. Joshua Brennan, 5. Matthias Halagahu, 6. Pierre Bochaton, 7. Jacobus Van Tonder, 8. Esteban Abadie, 9. Nolann Le Garrec, 10. Joris Segonds, 11. Emilien Gailleton, 12. Pierre-Louis Barassi, 13. Nicolas Depoortere, 14. Theo Attissogbe, 15. Leo Barré
Bench: 16. Pierre Bourgarit, 17. Paul Mallez, 18. Regis Montagne, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Cameron Woki, 21. Bastien Vergnes Taillefer, 22. Thilbault Daubagna, 23. Antoine Hastoy
All Blacks selections
Emoni Narawa of the Chiefs scores a try during the round seven Super Rugby Pacific match between Chiefs and Moana Pasifika at FMG Stadium Waikato, on April 06, 2024, in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images
Three changes to the All Blacks and two are injury enforced, with Patrick Tuipulotu coming in for the injured Scott Barrett at lock. Caleb Clarke was originally named to replace Sevu Reece on the wing and then he got injured too, so Emoni Narawa gets a well-deserved chance. Timoci Tavatavanawai replaces Quinn Tupaea on the bench for his debut match.
French selections
Cameron Woki of France during the Summer Nations Series in August 2023. Photo: AFP / DPPI / Matthieu Mirville
It's probably easier to focus on who France have left in rather than out, with the impressive Nolann Le Garrec and Joris Segonds retaining their spots in the inside backs. Emilien Gailleton and Theo Attissogbe, who were so dangerous last weekend, move to the wings and the experience on the bench is provided once against by Cameron Woki and Romain Taofifenua.
Key stats
New Zealand's Beauden Barrett runs in to score his side's fourth try in the test against Italy, Nov 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The All Blacks only conceded three penalties and won all 20 of their lineouts last weekend.
Wellington is the only NZ city France have not beaten the All Blacks in, recording victories in Dunedin (2009), Christchurch (1994) and Auckland (1979 and 1994).
Beauden Barrett has 74 more test caps than the entire French starting lineup.
What they're saying
"Play fast, think fast and adapt fast. We've got the skill set to do it… if the wind suddenly comes in off the Strait, we'll adapt and play to the wind in the rain as well. But our intention is to use our skills as much as we can." - All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
"It's a rotation for stimulation, competition. We brought the players to the end of the world. They have to play. We absolutely wanted to play them as quickly as possible." France coach Fabien Galthié.
The last time they met
All Blacks 31 - 27 France
It's fair to say that while the margin was close, the All Blacks had done enough to win this game with about 20 minutes to go. The defensive confidence at the very end was very telling, as they pretty much dared the French to try something new on attack, knowing that they'd figured out everything else.
What's going to happen
A lot of kicking, that's for sure. Le Garrec and Segonds were excellent last weekend at keeping the ball in the All Blacks' half, at least for a while, and with all the changes made they won't be trying anything more adventurous than that. Meanwhile, the All Blacks' commitment to a two-option attacking set up will likely continue, with the simple movement of players in between each an attempt to force the defence to bite in and create space.
The weather may well be the deciding factor in how many points are scored, though. While it hasn't been windy in Wellington, it has been wet and this will likely play a big role if it rains throughout the match,
