Rugby union news: New Zealand vs France – Scott Robertson opts for pace and inexperience in All Blacks squad
New Zealand are set to welcome bitter rivals France for an exciting three-Test series this summer, with All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson opting for pace and inexperience in his squad selection.
The first Test takes place on July 5, the second on July 12, followed by a third on July 19.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Aidan Leo weighs in on whether or not Razor’s new-look squad will have enough quality to triumph over Les Bleus.
Robertson’s overall thoughts on his squad
Robertson expressed his satisfaction with the squad’s make-up, pointing to a healthy blend of experience and leadership as well as an “exciting group” of new players.
He explained: “Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year.
“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.”
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High-powered leadership group takes charge
Crusaders lock Scott Barrett retains the captaincy and is backed up by brother Jordie Barrett, fresh off a successful stint with Leinster, and sensational loose forward Ardie Savea as vice-captains.
“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group and well-complemented by Ardie and Jordie,” Robertson said.
“They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.”
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Five rookies and two returnees
Hooker Brodie McAlister, prop Ollie Norris, lock Fabian Holland, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai are all new recruits in Robertson’s international set-up.
“For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis, and Timoci – this is a particularly special day,” Razor noted.
“These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad.
“We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks.”
Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and midfielder Quinn Tupaea, meanwhile, have both returned to the national fold after two to three years away due to injury and subsequent poor form.
Regarding their returns, Robertson added: “These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”
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Blackadder, Papali’i, Havili miss out
Regular All Black loose forwards over the last couple of seasons Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i have both been excluded.
Centre David Havili is likewise left out despite his overall versatility and good form.
Blackadder and Havili’s big performances in the Crusaders’ Super Rugby Pacific title win are sure to stand them in good stead moving forward, though.
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More questions than answers
Three main aspects of Robertson’s squad selection stand out.
The first regards his tight five and whether or not it is formidable enough to compete at Test level, particularly against France and the Springboks.
Two other question marks surround the make-up of his loose forward and midfield selections.
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Breaking down the tight five
In terms of hookers, there is Codie Taylor, who is 34 years of age and still the All Blacks’ standout option in the position.
Taukei’aho has performed well as Taylor’s back-up but has been in and out of the squad due to injury over the past few years.
McAlister is entirely inexperienced at Test level and will in all likelihood only feature in lesser match-ups, unless an injury-enforced situation arises.
At prop, Ethan de Groot is second only to front-row partner Tyrel Lomax in caps and no doubt has his Test experience to thank for his inclusion after what was a torrid season for the Highlanders.
Furthermore, aside from the Crusaders’ Tamaiti Williams, the All Blacks prop alternatives have yet to prove that they can cut it at international level.
The second row is shaping up to be spearheaded by captain Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i, a combination that featured consistently throughout the 2024 season for the All Blacks.
Veteran Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu will most probably feature off the bench, replacing Vaa’i in the last 20 minutes to see out games.
Holland, who is uncapped, is the only other lock, which is not a good sign given the indispensable role the position plays at international level.
Ultimately, while the slightly jumbled status of the All Blacks tight-five won't have Robertson or forwards coach Jason Ryan losing too much sleep, they will surely be a little worried over its current make-up.
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Loose forward and midfield composition
What should be ringing alarm bells for All Blacks fans is the fact that Robertson selected only five loose forwards.
Already a questionable decision in and of itself, Robertson added to it by selecting six midfielders but only four outside backs.
It is almost unheard of to select more centres than loose forwards.
One can surmise that Rieko Ioane and Tavatavanawai are listed as centres while also functioning as wing cover, but only time will tell what Razor has planned.
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Les Bleus showdown beckons
With France head coach Fabien Galthié naming an experimental squad for their tour of New Zealand – some are calling it the French ‘B team’ – Robertson has an opportunity to test out some combinations and hone a discernible style of play.
As he is now in his second year at the helm, Razor will be expected to deliver the goods with a dominant winning ratio this season, much like he did with his vastly-successful Crusaders.
Indeed, it should not be beyond the pale to expect the All Blacks to trump a second-string France outfit by 50-plus points in this series.
At the end of the day, Robertson won’t just expect a vintage performance from his men in black – he needs it.
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All Blacks squad for 2025
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs)
Props: Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes)
Locks: Scott Barrett (c) (Crusaders), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders)
Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
Scrum-halves: Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders)
Fly-halves: Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs)
Centres: Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders)
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes)
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