HAMILTON,NZ . SATURDAY, JULY 19th,2025.
Robertson’s Bold Revamp: All Blacks Hunt Series Sweep Against France in Hamilton
Scott Robertson has never been one to shy away from tough decisions—and ahead of Saturday night’s crucial third test against France, he’s once again shown his fearless approach. The All Blacks coach has orchestrated a sweeping overhaul of the squad, determined to deliver a commanding 3-0 series whitewash on home soil at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
Promising every player in his squad a chance to face the Six Nations champions, Robertson has made no less than ten changes to the starting XV that took the field in Wellington last weekend. His bench has been refreshed too, with four new faces eager to make their mark.
Among the new names is uncapped hooker Brodie McAlister, ready on the reserves as cover for Samisoni Taukei’aho—one of four fresh starters bolstering the forward pack. Taukei’aho will lead the charge alongside fit-again tighthead Tyrel Lomax in the front row, with Samipeni Finau at blindside flanker and Luke Jacobson returning from concussion to anchor the back of the pack at No. 8.
The Chiefs’ influence is unmistakable, providing seven starters across the forwards and backs. Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie take up pivotal roles in the inside backs, while Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown—making his comeback after collarbone surgery—form the midfield spine. On the wings, Sevu Reece returns from concussion to start on the left, and Ruben Love steps into the fullback role for just his second test cap, signalling the coaches’ faith in his potential.
On the bench, promising talents Noah Hotham, George Bower, and Dalton Papali’i await their chance. Papali’i’s selection is particularly poignant, marking a resurgence after his career seemed stalled at 36 tests.
Absent from this lineup are all three Barrett brothers, with Beauden sidelined by injury, captain Scott ruled out due to a calf tear, and Jordie rested.
Eschewing the traditional forward-heavy bench, Robertson has opted for a faster game plan, naming a 4-3 backs-to-forwards split. This strategy calls for backs Will Jordan, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Hotham to inject pace and urgency, supported by loose forwards Du’Plessis Kirifi and Papali’i pushing the tempo in midfield.
Robertson summed up the mood: “We’re thrilled to welcome back experienced players like Tyrel, Luke, Anton, and Sevu, who bring a combined 185 caps and a wealth of skill. It’s exciting to see newcomers like Brodie, Ruben, Noah, and Timoci step up after working incredibly hard. The team is motivated and focused to perform in Hamilton, ready for a determined French side, and energized by the passion of a sold-out crowd.”
This bold reinvention signals a fresh chapter for the All Blacks—one charged with ambition, resilience, and the hunt for a flawless series finish.
All Blacks
Ruben Love, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (capt), Samipeni Finau, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Will Jordan
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Scott Barrett (calf); Caleb Clarke (ankle); Tupou Vaa’i (concussion); Beauden Barrett (hand)
All Blacks Set to Make History as Hamilton Hosts First Test Against France
This Saturday marks a historic moment for the All Blacks and French rugby as the two nations prepare to face off in Hamilton for the very first time. While France has played in Hamilton twice before—back in 1961 and 1979—their opponents were not the All Blacks but the Waikato provincial side. On both occasions, Waikato emerged victorious, meaning the French have yet to taste a win in this rugby heartland.
The rivalry between New Zealand and France has been fierce and storied, with four previous three-match series all ending in clean sweeps for the All Blacks. Last weekend’s victory brought New Zealand’s total test wins over France to a milestone 50, out of 66 matches played between the two nations. France have claimed 15 wins, with just one game ending in a rare draw.
As the All Blacks prepare to defend their perfect record in Hamilton and continue their dominance over Les Bleus, fans can expect another fiercely contested encounter steeped in rich history—and the promise of new chapters yet to be written.
France have made eight changes to their starting lineup for Saturday’s third and final test against the All Blacks in Hamilton.
Coach Fabian Galthié has opted for plenty of experience – relatively speaking – as he looks for his side to finish the tour with a strong display at FMG Stadium Waikato. Second-five Gaël Fickou returns to captain the side after being left out for the second test and will earn his 96th cap. Tighthead prop Rabah Slimani will play his 59th test in Hamilton while winger Gabian Villière will play his 20th.
The 172 caps those three have earned already in their careers are almost three times as many as the entire French starting XV had to their names in Wellington – 63.
Four players – loosehead prop Baptiste Erdocio, lock Matthias Halagahu, and flankers Alexandre Fischer and Joshua Brennan – will earn their second test caps after making their debuts earlier on tour.
Loose forward Pierre Bochaton and halfback Thibault Daubagna will earn their second caps off the bench.
France: Léo Barré, Théo Attissogbé, Nicolas Depoortère, Gaël Fickou (c), Gabin Villière, Atoine Hastoy, Nolan Le Garrec, Mickaël Guillard, Joshua Brennan, Alexandre Fischer, Matthias Halagahu, Hugo Auradou, Rabah Slimani, Pierre Bourgait, Baptiste Erdocio; Reserves: Gaëtan Barlot, Paul Mallez, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifénua, Killian Tixeront, Pierre Bochaton, Thibault Daubagna, Émilien Gailleton
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