All Blacks Face France in Wellington Double-Header

All Blacks Announce Lineup Changes for Decisive France Clash, Aim for Historic Trophy Win

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – The All Blacks have unveiled a revised lineup for their upcoming test against France this Saturday, with several key changes driven by injury and a desire to secure the Dave Gallaher Trophy. The series hangs in the balance after a hard-fought victory over Les Bleus in Dunedin last weekend.

Scott Barrett‘s calf injury will see him sidelined for the remainder of the series, prompting a reshuffle in the pack. Patrick Tuipulotu steps into the lock position, while Ardie Savea will lead the team as captain in Barrett’s absence. Caleb Clarke earns his first start of 2025, taking the number 11 jersey, with Rieko Ioane shifting to the right wing.

Adding to the excitement, Timoci Tavatavanawai is poised to earn his first All Blacks cap, named on the bench as one of three alterations to the winning Dunedin squad.

Full Backline:

15. Will Jordan (42)
14. Rieko ioane
13.
12.
11. Caleb Clarke
10.
9.

Full Forward Pack:

8. Stick Tosi (8)
7.
6. Damian McKenzie (62)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu
4.
3.
2.
1.

Reserves:

20. Du’plessis Kirifi (1)
21. Cortez Ratima (12)
22. Timoci FallingWai
23. Timoci Tavatavanawai
17. Ollie norris (1)
16. Samison Inhaps (31)
19. Seaper argue (9)

Injury Updates:

The all Blacks are currently managing several injuries. Tamaiti Williams (knee), Tyrel lomax (calf), Wallace Sititi (ankle), Luke Jacobson (concussion), Sevu Reece (concussion), and Scott Barrett (calf) are all unavailable for selection.

More Than Just a Game: The Importance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy

A victory on Saturday would not only secure the test series but also award the All Blacks the Dave Gallaher Trophy – a prize they haven’t lifted since 2018. The trophy holds deep past significance, named in honor of Dave Gallaher, the legendary captain of the 1905-06 All blacks, who tragically lost his life in Belgium during World War I. It represents a legacy of leadership, courage, and national pride.

All Blacks Continue to Dominate Test Rugby

Last weekend’s win marked a milestone for New Zealand rugby, as the All Blacks became the first international side to reach 500 test victories, achieving the feat in a remarkable 652 matches.France currently holds the second-highest number of test wins with 460 from 829 games.

Sky Stadium: A Fortress for the All Blacks

This Saturday’s match will be the 30th All Blacks test hosted at Sky Stadium in Wellington as the venue opened in 2000. Historically, the All Blacks have proven formidable on home turf in the capital, with France yet to secure a win in Wellington despite successes in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

Looking Ahead: A Double-Header of Rugby Excellence

The All Blacks’ match is part of a compelling double-header at Sky Stadium, with the Black Ferns taking on Australia at 4:30 PM.This event provides a unique opportunity for fans to witness the best of New zealand rugby, just before the Black Ferns head to the Rugby World Cup.

“Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,” said All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson.

What impact will Scott Robertson have on the All Blacks’ playing style?

Match Details & Schedule

The All Blacks are set too host France in a highly anticipated double-header at sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 19th and July 26th, 2025. This marks a crucial period in both teams’ preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup cycle.

First Test: July 19th, 2025 – sky Stadium, Wellington

Second Test: July 26th, 2025 – Sky Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off Time (Both Matches): 7:05 PM NZST (subject to change – check local listings)

Broadcast Details: Sky Sport (New Zealand), beIN SPORTS (Australia), and potentially other international broadcasters. Check your local TV guide for availability.

Team form & Recent Performances

All Blacks: Following a strong 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, despite the final loss to South Africa, the All Blacks are undergoing a period of transition.Ian Foster has stepped down as head coach, with Scott Robertson taking the helm. Robertson’s appointment signals a new era for New Zealand rugby, focused on revitalizing attacking flair and strengthening defensive structures. recent squad announcements indicate a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, including players like Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, and promising newcomers.

France: Les Bleus have emerged as a genuine force in world rugby, consistently challenging the conventional powerhouses. Their performance at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, hosting the tournament, was impressive, reaching the quarter-finals. France boasts a formidable pack and a dynamic backline, led by captain Antoine Dupont. They are currently ranked among the top three teams globally and represent a significant test for the All Blacks. Key players to watch include Romain ntamack and Gabin Villière.

Key Players to Watch

All Blacks:

Ardie Savea: A dynamic loose forward known for his astonishing work rate and ball-carrying ability.

Beauden Barrett: A world-class fly-half/fullback with exceptional game management skills.

Will Jordan: A prolific winger with a knack for scoring tries.

Shannon Frizell: Powerful blindside flanker, known for his physicality.

France:

Antoine Dupont: arguably the best scrum-half in the world, a master tactician and elusive runner.

Romain Ntamack: A gifted fly-half with a pinpoint kicking game and creative playmaking ability.

Gabin villière: A powerful and pacey winger, a constant threat on the attack.

Grégoire Alldritt: A dominant number eight, providing crucial go-forward for the French pack.

Ancient context: All Blacks vs. France

The all Blacks and France have a long and storied rivalry,dating back to 1931. New Zealand holds a significant overall advantage in head-to-head results,but France has consistently proven capable of upsetting the All Blacks,particularly on French soil. Notable moments include France’s historic 18-13 victory over New Zealand in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter-final,a match considered one of the greatest upsets in rugby history. Recent encounters have been fiercely contested, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the French team.

Wellington as a Rugby Fortress

Sky Stadium in Wellington is renowned as a challenging venue for visiting teams. The stadium’s intimate atmosphere and passionate New Zealand fans create a formidable environment. The notoriously windy conditions in Wellington can also significantly impact the game, particularly kicking and aerial contests. The All Blacks boast an impressive record at Sky Stadium, making it a tough place for France to secure a victory.

Impact on Rugby World Cup 2027 Preparations

These matches are vital preparation for both teams as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Scott Robertson will be using the series to experiment with different combinations and assess the depth of his All Blacks squad. France will be looking to refine their game plan and build momentum ahead of the tournament. The results of these tests will provide valuable insights into each team’s strengths and weaknesses.

Ticketing Facts & Fan Engagement

Tickets for the All Blacks vs.France double-header are expected to be in high demand. Official ticketing information can be found on the New Zealand Rugby website (https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/).Fans are encouraged to register for pre-sale access to increase their chances of securing tickets. Various fan engagement activities are planned around the matches, including fan zones and pre-match entertainment.

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