All Blacks name Beauden Barrett at flyhalf for first Test against France

By SABC Sport
3rd July 2025

All Blacks selectors Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named their team to play France in the first match of the three-test July Series at Forysth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

Four players are set to make their All Blacks debut in Dunedin. Lock Fabian Holland and loose forward Christian Lio-Willie are named in a strong starting fifteen, while prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi will prepare to debut off the bench.

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the uncapped players have worked hard to get to this point and are ready to step into the test arena.

"This is a huge moment for these men and their families; we are all thrilled for them," he said.

"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."

An experienced front row of local hero Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will face the French pack, with recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and 7-test prop Pasilio Tosi in the reserves. Captain Scott Barrett pairs with Holland at lock and Samipeni Finau prepares to make an impact off the bench.

Tupou Vaa'i will start at blindside flanker, a position he has occasionally played for the All Blacks and Chiefs. Vice-Captain Ardie Savea will wear the No.7 jersey and Kirifi will provide loose forward cover.

Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett start and 9 and 10 respectively, with Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie set for impact roles.

Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor will combine in the midfield, with Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan in the back three, and test recall Quinn Tupaea providing cover.

"Facing France is always special; they bring intensity, flair, and physicality," continued Robertson .

"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."

New Zealand - 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Tupou Vaa'i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: 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.