France’s Rugby Challenge: All Blacks Unveil Their Strong Squad to Face the Blues

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All Blacks Announce Squad for Upcoming Series Against France

As the rugby world eagerly anticipates the announcement of Fabien Galthié’s squad for the summer tour against New Zealand, the All Blacks have revealed their selected players for the three-match series against the French team. The New Zealand Rugby Federation has disclosed the names of 33 athletes who are set to clash with France in a trio of test matches on July 5, 12, and 19. Enthusiastic fans can expect a formidable lineup, featuring prominent players such as the Barrett brothers—Jordie (28 years old), Beauden (34), and Scott (31)—alongside stars like Damian McKenzie and Ardie Savea.

Leadership Structure and Key Players

The coaching trio of Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen, and Jason Ryan have chosen to appoint Scott Barrett as the captain, affirming his leadership role despite initial public support for Ardie Savea. Savea, who was named Player of the Year in Super Rugby, takes on a crucial role but will not wear the captain’s armband during this series. This will mark Scott Robertson’s second season at the helm of the All Blacks, and he is keen to maintain momentum from last year’s successful tour in the Northern Hemisphere.

Team Composition and Regional Representation

Among the selected players, the Chiefs franchise boasts the highest representation with 12 members, followed by the Crusaders with 8, and the Hurricanes with 7 players. The Blues and Highlanders contribute 4 and 3 players, respectively, while Moana Pasifika rounds out the list. “Nearly three-quarters of this squad participated in our tour to the Northern Hemisphere last year; we aim to build upon that foundation,” said Robertson. The emphasis will clearly be on developing a dynamic and impactful style of play, preparing the team for what promises to be a challenging series against France.

Full List of All Blacks Players Selected

Forwards:

  • Pillars: Ethan de Groot (26 years, Highlanders, 29 caps), Tamaiti Williams (24 years, Crusaders, 18 caps)
  • Ollie Norris (25 years, Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (29 years, Hurricanes, 44 caps)
  • Fletcher Newell (25 years, Crusaders, 22 caps), Pasilio Tosi (26 years, Hurricanes, 7 caps)
  • Hookers: Codie Taylor (34 years, Crusaders, 96 caps), Samisoni Taukei’aho (27 years, Chiefs, 30 caps)
  • Brodie McAlister (28 years, Chiefs)
  • Locks: Scott Barrett (31 years, Crusaders, 80 caps), Patrick Tuipulotu (32 years, Blues, 51 caps)
  • Tupou Vaa’i (25 years, Chiefs, 38 caps), Fabian Holland (22 years, Highlanders)
  • Back Row: Samipeni Finau (26 years, Chiefs, 8 caps), Ardie Savea (31 years, Moana Pasifika, 94 caps)
  • Du’Plessis Kirifi (28 years, Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (22 years, Chiefs, 10 caps), Luke Jacobson (28 years, Chiefs, 24 caps)

Backs:

  • Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard (24 years, Hurricanes, 10 caps), Cortez Ratima (24 years, Chiefs, 11 caps), Noah Hotham (22 years, Crusaders, 1 cap)
  • Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett (34 years, Blues, 134 caps), Damian McKenzie (30 years, Chiefs, 61 caps)
  • Centers: Anton Lienert-Brown (30 years, Chiefs, 84 caps), Jordie Barrett (28 years, Hurricanes, 68 caps)
  • Rieko Ioane (28 years, Blues, 81 caps), Quinn Tupaea (26 years, Chiefs, 14 caps)
  • Billy Proctor (26 years, Hurricanes, 2 caps), Timoci Tavatavanawai (27 years, Highlanders)
  • Wings: Caleb Clarke (26 years, Blues, 29 caps), Sevu Reece (28 years, Crusaders, 32 caps)
  • Fullbacks: Will Jordan (27 years, Crusaders, 41 caps), Ruben Love (24 years, Hurricanes/Wellington, 1 cap)

This lineup reflects the depth and talent within New Zealand rugby, setting the stage for an electrifying series against a formidable French team.

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