SATURDAY, JULY 5th, 2025, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, NZ. 5.05pm
New Dawn in Dunedin: All Blacks Blood New Talent as Undermanned France Arrive
When the All Blacks take the field in Dunedin this Saturday, four players will live out a lifelong dream—earning their first Test caps against France. In a match soaked in tradition but tinged with frustration, New Zealand’s next generation will step onto the world stage at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and Crusaders loose forward Christian Lio-Willie have been named in a strong starting XV, rewarded for their standout Super Rugby campaigns. On the bench, Ollie Norris and Du’Plessis Kirifi wait patiently for their moment—eager to bring energy and edge when called upon.
Head coach Scott Robertson—making his mark in his debut season—spoke highly of the debutants: “These boys have earned it. They’ve worked relentlessly, and now it’s their time to show they belong at this level.”
Backing them is a pack rich in experience. Local favourite Ethan de Groot will anchor the front row alongside Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell, with Samisoni Taukei’aho and Pasilio Tosi offering muscle off the bench. Captain Scott Barrett partners Holland in the second row, while Samipeni Finau prepares to bring impact late.
The back row has a fresh yet familiar feel—Tupou Vaa’i returns to the blindside, Ardie Savea leads the charge as vice-captain at openside, and Kirifi stands ready for his shot.
In the halves, Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett combine at 9 and 10, while Damian McKenzie and Cortez Ratima lurk as dangerous options from the pine. The midfield sees Jordie Barrett pair up with the promising Billy Proctor, and a dynamic back three of Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, and Will Jordan round out the starting unit. Quinn Tupaea, back in the black jersey, offers depth across the backline.
But while the All Blacks welcome fresh faces, the excitement is tempered somewhat by their opponents’ approach.
France, typically a jewel in the mid-year calendar, have opted to send an understrength squad—once again prioritising player welfare and Top 14 club demands over full-strength competition. Antoine Dupont remains sidelined, and the likes of Romain Ntamack, Gregory Alldritt, and Damien Penaud are nowhere to be seen. It’s a blow to fans who hoped to witness a full-throttle clash between two powerhouses.
Yet, this is a calculated gamble by Fabien Galthié. The French coach has long danced the delicate line between appeasing clubs and building depth. That strategy paid off in 2025, with France claiming the Six Nations title. But it has come at a price—evident in a drawn series against Argentina last year and narrow escapes against Japan in 2022.
Veteran centre Gaël Fickou will lead Les Bleus as tour captain, and experienced forwards Cameron Woki and Demba Bamba will shoulder much of the responsibility. Late additions this week included midfield reinforcements Pierre-Louis Barassi and Nicolas Depoortere, alongside uncapped talents Pierre Bochaton and Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer.
So while the French arrive in New Zealand underpowered, the hosts are anything but underprepared. Fresh off a solid 2024 campaign with 10 wins from 14, the All Blacks are eager to raise the standard in front of a home crowd—and to usher in a new wave of talent.
ALL BLACKS TEAM,
Games in brackets.
1. Ethan de Groot (29)
2. Codie Taylor (96)
3. Fletcher Newell (22
4. Scott Barrett (80) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland
6. Tupou Vaa’i (38)
7. Ardie Savea (94) (Vice-Captain)
8. Christian Lio-Willie *
9. Cam Roigard (10)
10. Beauden Barrett (134)
11. Rieko Ioane (81)
12. Jordie Barrett (68) (Vice-Captain)
13. Billy Proctor (2)
14. Sevu Reece (32)
15. Will Jordan (41)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (30)
17. Ollie Norris *
18. Pasilio Tosi (7)
19. Samipeni Finau (8)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi *
21. Cortez Ratima (11)
22. Quinn Tupaea (14)
23. Damian McKenzie (61)
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone)
Dunedin Decider: All Blacks Seek Redemption and the Dave Gallaher Trophy
There’s more than just national pride on the line this Saturday in Dunedin—there’s history, legacy, and a famous trophy that binds two great rugby nations.
When the All Blacks and France clash under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, they’ll be fighting for the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named in honour of the 1905–06 All Blacks captain who died on the battlefields of Belgium in World War I. A symbol of tradition and rivalry, the trophy has taken on even more meaning in recent years.
The ledger between these two teams is long and storied. The All Blacks have dominated historically, winning 48 of the 64 Test matches between the nations, while France have claimed 15 victories and one match ended in a draw. Yet the current tide tells a different story.
France have won the last three meetings—2021, 2023, and 2024—all in the cauldron of Stade de France. It marks a shift in momentum, especially considering New Zealand’s streak of 14 straight wins over Les Bleus from 2009 to 2018. Now, France stand as the most successful Northern Hemisphere nation against the All Blacks—more wins than England, Ireland, or Wales.
This Saturday, the rivalry returns to Dunedin, a city that has hosted this fixture just twice. The most recent clash here was back in 2013 at Forsyth Barr Stadium—a comfortable New Zealand win. Before that, France pulled off a famous 27–22 victory at old Carisbrook in 2009. It’s one win apiece in the southern city. The decider is upon us.
Five of France’s 42-strong squad weren’t available for the first test after playing in the Top 14 final last weekend – Pierre-Louis Barassi, Pierre Bochaton, Joshua Brennan, Nicolas Depoortère and Bastien Vergnes-Taillefer.
While their superstar halfback Antoine Dupont is injured and would have missed the tour regardless, the list of notable absentees is lengthy and includes Gregory Alldritt, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Thomas Ramos, Romain Ntamack, Thibaud Flament, Julien Marchand, Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert.
France: Theo Attissogbe, Tom Spring, Emilien Gailleton, Gael Fickou (c), Gabin Villière, Joris Segonds, Nolann Le Garrec, Mickael Guillard, Killian Tixeront, Alexandre Fischer, Tyler Duguid, Hugo Auradou, Rabah Slimani, Gaetan Barlot, Giorgi Beria; Reserves: Pierre Bourgarit, Paul Mallez, Regis Montagne, Romain Taofifenua, Cameron Woki, Jacobus van Tonder, Baptiste Jauneau, Antoine Hastoy
There’s individual history in play too. Rieko Ioane, electric and elusive, sits just two tries behind Joe Rokocoko’s all-time record of eight tries against France. Few would bet against him closing the gap this weekend.
While France arrive with a weakened squad, the All Blacks appear primed and focused, blending youth with experience. With the crowd behind them and momentum shifting back their way, the signs point to a statement win. A 15-point margin wouldn’t surprise.
For Scott Robertson’s side, it’s not just about winning—it’s about reclaiming their place at the top of this storied rivalry. And doing so with the Gallaher Trophy raised high would make it all the sweeter.
BLACK FERNS TRIAL MATCH
SATURDAY JULY 5th, Whangārei, NZ.
Final Audition: Black Ferns Hopefuls Eye World Cup Dream
For a select group of players, this is more than just a trial—it’s a last chance to earn the jersey of their dreams.
With the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England fast approaching, hopeful Black Ferns will take centre stage in a one-off trial match designed to catch the eye of head coach Allan Bunting. For some, it’s a golden opportunity to vault themselves into the final squad. For others, it may be the end of the road.
The clock is ticking. On July 12, New Zealand’s women will face off against trans-Tasman rivals Australia in Wellington, a blockbuster Test that forms part of a special double-header alongside the All Blacks’ clash with France. It promises to be a momentous night for New Zealand rugby—with World Cup stakes looming large.
Only days later, on July 25, the final squad for the World Cup will be revealed.
For now, every run, tackle, and decision in this trial could make the difference. With the black jersey on the line, expect desperation, pride, and no shortage of heart from every player looking to book their ticket to England.
Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Stacey Waaka, Logo-i-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i (Sylvia) Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Kelly Brazier, Maia Joseph, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Layla Sae, Mia Anderson, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Alana Bremner (co-capt), Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Atlanta Lolohea, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu. Reserves: Kate Henwood, Vici-Rose Green, Tanya Kalounivale, Chelsea Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Jorja Miller, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Theresa Setefano, Amy du Plessis, Renee Holmes, Chryss Viliko, Georgia Ponsonby, Amy Rule.
Black Ferns XV: Kaea Nepia, Ruby Tui, Kelsey Teneti, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Jaymie Kolose, Hannah King, Iritana Hohaia, Taufa Bason, Elinor-Plum King, Holly Greenway (capt), Sam Taylor, Laura Bayfield, Ashley Palu, Luka Connor, Krystal Murray. Reserves: Grace Leaso Gago, Jordy Tihore, Marcelle Parkes, Maddi Robinson, Harono Te Iringa, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Lucy Jenkins, Fiaali’i Solomona, Reese Anderson, Keira Su’a-Smith, Justine McGregor, Winnie Palamo, Tara Turner.
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