All Blacks v France: Scott Robertson’s side see plenty of changes for third test

A new-look All Blacks team will take to the field for their final test against France, with 10 changes in the starting XV for Saturday’s clash in Hamilton.

Ethan de Groot, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea and Rieko Ioane are the only players holding their positions in the run-on side, as the selectors opt to rotate the squad.

In the forwards, Samisoni Taukei’aho gets a rare start at hooker, while Tyrel Lomax starts at tighthead prop. With Tupou Vaa’i out with concussion, Samipeni Finau starts at blindside flanker while Luke Jacobson starts at No 8.

The backline sees Chiefs teammates Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie starting at halfback and first five-eighths respectively, while fellow Chiefs Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown make-up the midfield combination.

Sevu Reece starts on the right wing, with Ruben Love getting the start at fullback.

Beauden Barrett is out with a hand injury, so it is expected Love will provide cover at first five-eighths, with Timoci Tavatavanawai and Will Jordan named as backline over on the bench.

Hooker Brodie McAlister is in line for his debut off the bench, while George Bower, Dalton Papali’i and Noah Hotham also join the match day squad.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said there was a healthy edge in the camp this week, knowing that the French will throw everything at this final game of the series.

“There is high motivation and focus to perform in Hamilton this week. We are prepared for a determined and spirited French side and excited to play in front of a passionate, sold-out crowd.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury and, with 185 caps between them, we know that they will be ready to perform at the highest level. It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap. These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night.”

Robertson told media he had to adapt his plan for the third test with a few injuries to the squad but it ensures every player should get a run over the three matches.

“Firstly, we’re really pleased that everyone’s trained incredibly well. They get picked as All Blacks and get to play as All Blacks. Good combinations, good balance in the squad and they get the opportunity this week.”

“You always have a plan and then, like any plan, you always adjust. It’s got a great mixture of experience in the group and also one debutant,” he added.

All Blacks team for the third test against France

All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho 3. Tyrel Lomax 4. Patrick Tuipulotu 5. Fabian Holland 6. Samipeni Finau 7. Ardie Savea (c) 8. Luke Jacobson 9. Cortez Ratima 10. Damian McKenzie 11. Rieko Ioane 12. Quinn Tupaea 13. Anton Lienert-Brown 14. Sevu Reece 15. Ruben Love.

Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. George Bower 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Dalton Papali’i 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi 21. Noah Hotham 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai 23. Will Jordan.

Unavailable: Tamaiti Williams (knee), Wallace Sititi (ankle), Scott Barrett (calf), Caleb Clarke (ankle), Tupou Vaa’i (concussion), Beauden Barrett (hand).

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.