All Blacks v France: Wallace Sititi ruled out of series, Christian Lio-Willie called in

All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi has been ruled out of next month’s test series against France due to injury.

The 22-year-old requires ankle surgery and his return date to play will be determined in three weeks.

Coach Scott Robertson has called in Christian Lio-Willie to replace Sititi in the 33-man squad.

The Crusaders No 8 was already in camp with the All Blacks, serving as injury cover for Luke Jacobson, with that role to now be filled by Blues loose forward Dalton Papali’i.

Robertson named his squad on Monday, which features five uncapped players in Du’Plessis Kirifi, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fabian Holland, Ollie Norris and Brodie McAlister.

Sititi was named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year last year after earning 10 caps for the All Blacks.

The All Blacks kick off the three-match series against France at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on July 5.

France, the reigning Six Nations champions, have named an inexperienced squad, which will be captained by centre Gael Fickou.

They have named a 37-man squad, but the list will likely grow by up to five additional players following Sunday’s Top 14 final between Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles.

Those five players will only be available for the second and third tests.

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.