All Blacks team: Scott Robertson gambles with 10 changes for third France Test as Damian McKenzie starts in place of injured Beauden Barrett

Scott Robertson has made a number of changes to his All Blacks team to take on France in the final Test of the three-match series in Hamilton.

With the series already won, New Zealand’s head coach has decided to take the riskier strategy and give several fringe players a chance in the XV with 10 alterations in all.

That starts at full-back where Ruben Love takes the place of Will Jordan, who is on the bench, and he forms a back three with Rieko Ioane and the returning Sevu Reece.

At centre, it is an all-Chiefs pairing as Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown – making his first appearance since late-April – combine in the midfield.

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The Chiefs theme continues in the playmaking positions as Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima get the opportunity to run out for the All Blacks on home turf at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Up front, Robertson has also decided to ring the changes with Luke Jacobson recovering from concussion and taking his place at number eight as Christian Lio-Willie drops out.

Ardie Savea once again continues at openside and retains the captaincy in the absence of Scott Barrett, and the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year is partnered by Samipeni Finau at flanker.

Finau finally gets a chance to start having been overlooked for the first two French Tests, with Tupou Vaa’i being the preferred option at blindside.

Fabian Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu continue at lock having impressed against Les Bleus last weekend, but that type of continuity is a rare sight in this All Blacks side.

The final two changes to the XV come in the front-row as Tyrel Lomax returns from injury to take the tighthead slot, while Samisoni Taukei’aho comes in for Codie Taylor at hooker.

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Despite the alterations, there is only one uncapped player in the squad and that is reserve hooker Brodie McAlister, who will make his debut if he comes onto the field.

McAlister is joined by George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i and Du’Plessis Kirifi as the forward replacements, with Robertson opting not to have any out-and-out lock cover on the bench.

Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jordan complete the 23 with Beauden Barrett missing out due to a hand injury.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury and, with 185 caps between them, we know that they will be ready to perform at the highest level,” Robertson said.

“It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap.

“These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night.”

All Blacks team to face France

All Blacks: 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 (c), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Will Jordan

Date: Saturday, July 19
Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (RA)
Assistant referees: Damian Schneider (UAR), Takehito Namekawa (JRFU)
TMO: Brett Cronan (RA)
FPRO: Damon Murphy (RA)

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