Rugby: Sub-par French side set to tour here

France looks set to send its weakest ever side to New Zealand for the two tests against the All Blacks in Auckland and Wellington in June.

The semi finals and finals of the French Championship clash with the two tests down under, meaning coach Bernard Laporte potentially will be without most of his first choice players.

L'Equipe rugby writer Ian Borthwick says no players from the top four clubs will be released for the tour down under.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has confirmed he will be using his best players in the tests.

- NEWSTALK ZB