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Pallade Veneta - Four All Blacks debutants to face France in first Test

Four All Blacks debutants to face France in first Test

SPORTS 03.07.2025
Four All Blacks debutants to face France in first Test
Four All Blacks debutants to face France in first Test / Photo: Glyn KIRK - AFP

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson on Thursday named four uncapped players in New Zealand's matchday 23 for the first of three Test matches against France.

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Lock Fabian Holland and No.8 Christian Lio-Willie will start in Dunedin on Saturday, while prop Ollie Norris and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi will come off the bench for debuts.

"This is a huge moment for these men and their families," Robertson said.

"We are all thrilled for them. For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of a Dunedin home crowd and I am sure Fabian's Highlanders supporters and Christian's Otago fans will be out in full force.

"Ollie and Du'Plessis have both shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready."

Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson miss out because of injury.

Beauden Barrett will start at fly-half, picked ahead of Damian McKenzie, while Rieko Ioane, who has been playing in the centres for Auckland Blues, is on the wing.

New Zealand (15-1):

Will Jordan; Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt); Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.

E.Magrini--PV

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