Du’Plessis Kirifi. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm, Saturday 5 July
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Four players are set to make their All Blacks debut in Dunedin against France this Saturday.
Lock Fabian Holland and loose forward Christian Lio-Willie are named in the starting side, while prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi will prepare to debut off the bench.
Other than the new caps, the main talking point is the selection of Beauden Barrett at first five and Billy Proctor at centre. It feels like a flip of a coin selection for Barrett over Damian McKenzie, after both men put up strong cases at the business end of Super Rugby Pacific. However, Proctor has earned his way into the 13 jersey, although it hasn't come at the expense of Rieko Ioane. The Blues veteran moves back out to the wing in a surprise selection, replacing team mate Caleb Clarke.
In another surprise, Tupou Vaa'i starts at blindside - his first time at test level in that position since the World Cup. Fletcher Newell comes in for a start at tighthead and Quinn Tupaea will complete his long journey back to the All Blacks via the bench.
Billy Proctor. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
"Facing France is always special; they bring intensity, flair, and physicality. As a group we have had a fantastic ten days together, preparing for the three-test series ahead of us. We are ready for the challenge and what better place to kick it off than under the roof in Dunedin, in front of a packed home crowd," Robertson said .
All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. . Ardie Savea, 8, Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Cameron Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Rieko Ioane, 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. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone)
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