All Blacks team: Dave Rennie’s selection surprises with two debutants included, Ruben Love handed the keys while shock Will Jordan and loose forward decisions made
All Blacks star Ruben Love and an inset of head coach Dave Rennie.
Dave Rennie has named his All Blacks matchday 23 for the clash against France at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Rennie, in his first game in charge since taking over from Scott Robertson, has included two uncapped players on his bench in Hurricanes stars Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo.
Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks from the number eight jersey, with the new head coach and his co-selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes throwing a few selection surprises for the meeting with Les Blues.
Ardie Savea captains New Zealand
Savea is joined in the loose trio by Chiefs star Luke Jacobson, who packs down in the number seven jersey, with 2026 Super Rugby Pacific champion Peter Lakai completing the back-row. With Wallace Sititi named on the bench, there is no space for German-born back-rower Anton Segner nor Chiefs’ powerhouse Simon Parker.
Josh Lord and Sam Darry combine in the engine room with loosehead Ethan de Groot, hooker Codie Taylor and tighthead Fletcher Newell forming the front row.
Cam Roigard and Ruben Love have been named as the starting halfbacks after their impressive form during the Super Rugby Pacific season, guiding the Hurricanes to the title. They are joined in the backs by Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, who feature in the centres.
Further selection surprises come in the back-three with Will Jordan returning from injury but is named on the right wing, Caleb Clarke starts on the left whilst Damian McKenzie is at full-back.
Numia is in line for his Test debut from the bench where he offers front row cover with fellow ‘Canes stars Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax while Patrick Tuipulotu will provide impact in the second row. Sititi completes the five forward replacements with Rennie sticking to the traditional 5-3 bench split.
Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor and Fineanganofo are the three backline replacements, the latter in line for his Test debut after breaking the record for the most tries scored in a single Super Rugby Pacific season.
“There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances. We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.
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“We know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert,” head coach Rennie said.
“We’ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves.
“It is an honour to play the first Test match at the new Christchurch stadium and to bring the All Blacks back to this proud rugby region. What a way to start our season, playing under the roof in front of a sold-out stadium.”
All Blacks team v France
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia *, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Fehi Fineanganofo*
Date: Saturday, 4 July, 2026
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19:10 (local), 08:10 (UK), 09:10 (France), 09:10 (South Africa), 17:10 (AEST), 19:10 (New Zealand), 04:10 (Argentina), 16:10 (JST), 03:10 (EDT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)
Assistant Referees: Christophe Ridley (RFU) and Katsuki Furuse (JRFU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
FPRO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Broadcasters: ITV (United Kingdom), TF1 (France), Virgin Media Television (Republic of Ireland), Sky Italia (Italy), Wowow (Japan), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Nine Network / Stan Sport (Australia), SuperSport (South Africa)
