STADE DE FRANCE FRANCE 2024 SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER
All Blacks Squad Announced for France Test at Stade de France
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson and his co-selectors, Assistant Coaches Scott Hansen, Jason Holland, Jason Ryan and Tamati Ellison, have named their All Blacks team to play France at Stade de France, Paris.
Bold Selections and Key Changes for the All Blacks
The All Blacks have made some bold selections for their penultimate test of the year, rushing back Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, starting Cam Roigard and moving Ardie Savea to openside flanker.
Damian McKenzie and Asafo Aumua on the Bench
Despite his heroics in last weekend’s victory over Ireland, Damian McKenzie has dropped back to the bench for Sunday’s test against France in Paris to accommodate Barrett’s return from concussion.
Changes to the Starting XV
The same goes for hooker Asafo Aumua, who produced his best performance in the black jersey but makes way for the returning Codie Taylor.
[0]Denotes previous test matches played.
All Blacks. 1. Tamaiti Williams (17) , 2. Codie Taylor (93), 3. Tyrel Lomax (42) 4. Scott Barrett (78) (Captain)
5. Tupou Vaa’i (36) 6. Samipeni Finau (7)7. Ardie Savea (92) (Vice-Captain) 8. Wallace Sititi (8)
9. Cam Roigard (8),10. Beauden Barrett (132) 11. Caleb Clarke (27) 12. Jordie Barrett (67) (Vice-Captain) 13. Rieko Ioane (79) 14. Sevu Reece (31)15. Will Jordan (39)
Reserves for the France Test
Reserves. 16. Asafo Aumua (18) 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (66) 18. Pasilio Tosi (6)
19. Patrick Tuipulotu (49) 20. Peter Lakai (1) 21. Cortez Ratima (10)22. Anton Lienert-Brown (82)
23. Damian McKenzie [60)
Injuries Affecting All Blacks Squad
Unavailable due to injury: Sam Cane (concussion), Mark Tele’a (hand), Sam Darry (knee), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring).
Personnel Changes in the All Blacks
This week’s starting fifteen features five personnel changes, highlighted by the return of hooker Codie Taylor and first five-eighth Beauden Barrett, both cleared to play after passing HIA protocols. Asafo Aumua and Damian McKenzie are set to provide impact from the bench.
Loose-Forward Trio Rejigged Due to Sam Cane Injury
A head injury to Sam Cane in the Ireland match has resulted in a rejigged loose-forward trio: Samipeni Finau comes in at blindside, Ardie Savea shifts to openside and Wallace Sititi will play at number 8. Peter Lakai will provide loose-forward cover with the opportunity to notch up his second All Blacks cap.
Halfback Duo for the Test
Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima will once again handle the halfback duties, with Roigard starting this week.
Sevu Reece Replaces Mark Tele’a on the Wing
Sevu Reece returns to the right wing, stepping in for Mark Tele’a, who is sidelined with a hand injury.
All Blacks to Wear White Away Jerseys
The All Blacks will don their white away jerseys against France to avoid a clash with the home side’s navy blue.
France vs. All Blacks: Historic Rivalry Resumes
The two teams are set to face off at Stade de France in Paris on Sunday morning, marking their first encounter since France defeated the All Blacks in the opening match of last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Dave Gallaher Trophy at Stake
The winner of the Test will claim the Dave Gallaher Trophy, a prize that All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said has been a significant source of inspiration for the team throughout the week.
“It has been special to be here in Paris during Armistice Day. We have honoured those commemorations as a team and also acknowledged the significance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named after one of our greatest All Black Captains who led the ‘Originals’ in the first ever Test match against France, and lost his life 11 years later in World War I. This is a trophy we would love to hold, and the players are prepared to take their opportunity in Paris this Saturday night.”
Romain Buros Set for France Debut
Bordeaux star Romain Buros is set to make his much-anticipated France debut at fullback in this weekend’s blockbuster clash against New Zealand.
France’s Back Three Changes
Buros slots into the backline in place of Leo Barre, becoming one of four changes to the starting XV following last week’s dominant 52-12 win over Japan.
France’s Midfield and Fly-Half Decisions
Joining him in the back three is Toulon’s Gabin Villiere, alongside rising talent Louis Bielle-Biarrey, who retains his spot after an impressive outing.
In midfield, seasoned campaigner Gael Fickou returns at outside centre, reigniting his partnership with Yoram Moefana. The Racing 92 veteran will earn his 92nd cap for France, placing him joint fourth on Les Bleus’ all-time appearances list.
France’s Forward Pack and Back Row Adjustments
Thomas Ramos retains his position at fly-half this weekend, once again pairing with iconic scrum-half and captain Antoine Dupont as Galthie continues to trust the reliable Toulouse combination.
In the front row, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, and Tevita Tatafu remain a formidable trio, while Thibaud Flament and Emmanuel Meafou keep their spots in the second row following strong performances.
Paul Boudehent Replaces Francois Cros in the Back Row
Paul Boudehent is the sole change in the back row, replacing Francois Cros at blindside flanker. He joins Alexandre Roumat and Gregory Alldritt to form a dynamic loose forward trio.
France’s Bench Split for the All Blacks Clash
For the clash against the All Blacks, Galthie has opted for a 6-2 split on the bench. Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickael Guillard, and Charles Ollivon provide forward cover, while Nolann Le Garrec and Emilen Gailleton are the backline options.
Jalibert and Lucu Left Out of France Squad
There is no place for Bordeaux duo Maxime Lucu or Matthieu Jalibert in the 23-man squad for this weekend’s match against the All Blacks.
Jalibert’s Decision to Decline Bench Role
France’s first five-eighth Matthieu Jalibert chose not to be selected as a reserve for the clash, as confirmed by coach Fabien Galthié.
Jalibert’s Role During Ntamack’s Absence
Jalibert was France’s starting first five last year during Romain Ntamack’s injury absence and at the start of the Six Nations.
Thomas Ramos to Start at Fly-Half for France
Although Ntamack was ruled out of this campaign due to a recent injury, usual fullback Thomas Ramos started at first five against Japan last weekend and retains the 10 jersey for Sunday’s game at Stade de France.
France: Romain Buros, Gabin Villiere, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (c), Gregory Aldritt, Alexandre Roumat, Paul Boudehent, Emmanuel Meafou, Thibaud Flament, Tevita Tatafu, Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros. Reserves: Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi, Georges-Henri Colombe, Romain Taofifenua, Mickaël Guillard, Charles Ollivon, Nolann Le Garrec, Émilien Gailleton
Jalibert’s Reaction to Not Starting Against the All Blacks
Jalibert came on as a substitute against Japan but was reportedly disappointed not to start against the All Blacks, prompting him to decline a place on the bench.
Historical Record Between the All Blacks and France
France are the current holders of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, having secured a 40-25 victory in the last challenge match at Stade de France in 2021.
All Blacks vs. France: 63-Test Rivalry
The All Blacks have faced France 63 times since 1906, boasting a record of 48 wins, 14 losses, and one draw.
Recent Encounters Between the Two Teams
The most recent encounter between the two sides was a 23-11 win for France in Paris during pool play at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Stade de France: A Key Venue for the All Blacks
Stade de France has hosted nine Tests between the All Blacks and France, with New Zealand holding a record of six wins, two losses, and one draw at the venue.
All Blacks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup Campaign at Stade de France
The All Blacks also played three Tests at Stade de France during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including a quarter-final victory over Ireland and a narrow 11-12 loss to South Africa in the final.
France will start as favourites here ,but do not under estimate the All Blacks.
In other games, Ireland v Argentina, England v South Africa, Australia v Wales, Scotland v Portugal, and Italy v Georgia
Personal Match Predictions
I will go with, South Africa, Australia, Ireland ,Scotland, Italy, and I will stick with the Kiwis.
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