All Blacks v France: Fresh twist for 2024 series as USA Test is tabled despite Les Bleus’ reluctance

Jared Wright 26 Nov 2024 11:42 AM

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, France captain Antoine Dupont and an insert of FFR president Florian Grill.

One of the three Test matches between the All Blacks and France could be played in the United States of America next July.

France are set to tour New Zealand next July and face Scott Robertson’s All Blacks three times without many of their star players due to France’s policy on resting “premium players”.

However, one of those Tests could be moved to the USA with New Zealand Rugby tabling the idea to French officials.

All Blacks v France in the USA

Fédération Française de Rugby (FFR) president Florian Grill confirmed as much to French publication L’Equipe where he stated that while they are open to discussing the prospect of playing the match in America, they are not too keen on the idea.

“They did indeed mention this proposal to us,” Grill said. “We are waiting to see in what framework and to receive a formal proposal.”

Part of the proposal is to drive interest in rugby union in North America ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup while it would not be the first time that the All Blacks have played in the US after famously losing to Ireland in Chicago while also playing Fiji in San Diego earlier this year.

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“We are not necessarily in favour from a sporting point of view but are thinking about the interest in terms of promoting rugby in the United States ahead of the 2031 World Cup which will take place there,” Grill added.

“It is therefore still too early to answer since we do not know the precise framework at this time.”

According to L’Equipe, Fabien Galthie and his coaching team would not be ‘thrilled’ by the idea of playing one of the three Tests in the USA.

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Will Eden Park be one destination?

If a deal is struck between the two unions, it would mean that only two of the three Tests would be played in New Zealand with one Test likely taking place at Eden Park where the All Blacks have not lost since 1994.

In fact, it was the French who were the last visiting team to claim a victory at the fortress, claiming a 23-20 victory.

However, it will be trickier for France to repeat those heroics as Gatlhie is set to leave around 20 of his best players at home due to an agreement with the LNR – the governing body of French Rugby’s club competitions – for the tour to New Zealand.

The last time France toured New Zealand was back in 2018 when the Jacques Brunel-led side were defeated in all three Test matches, losing 52-11, 26-13 and 49-14.

France