Dave Rennie names two debutants in All Blacks team to face France

Not bad overall, few changes I'd still like to see. Don't really understand how DR can make a statement around picking a team on form and then show us that though. Tosi, Morby, Segner…

Well, here it is—Rennie and his coaching staff have named their first All Blacks XV.

First impressions? I like it. There are a few selections that really caught my attention, but mostly in a positive way.

Not much to say about the front row. It’s pretty much what was expected, with a Hurricanes-heavy impact unit coming off the bench. An interesting way to finish games.

The first real statement is the omission of Tupou Vaai. I don’t think anyone saw that coming.

Only a few weeks ago, some people were even mentioning him as a potential future All Blacks captain. This first selection suggests Rennie sees him a little differently and believes he still has work to do before reclaiming a starting spot. But is it really that surprising? Injuries disrupted part of his season, and after an outstanding 2024, Vaai never quite reached those same heights in 2025.

Instead, it’s Lord and Darry in the second row. I really like the inclusion of Darry. He’ll bring plenty of physicality and work rate around the collision area, and having two genuine two-metre locks at the lineout is a serious weapon.

The second big talking point is the loose forward combination. Jacobson gets the No. 7 jersey, Lakai starts at blindside, and Ardie shifts back to No. 8.

I’ve already seen plenty of criticism about Luke Jacobson starting. But let’s be fair to him. Has he ever really been given a genuine opportunity with the All Blacks? I don’t think so. How many Test starts has he actually had? And how many came in his preferred position?

Rennie is backing him in the role where he’s at his best while also making the most of his lineout ability. Nobody has ever questioned Jacobson’s work ethic. He’ll empty the tank in the black jersey, and we’ll find out on Saturday whether that faith is rewarded.

Ardie at No. 8 doesn’t surprise me at all. I still believe that’s where he’s at his best in Test rugby. And with Lakai and Jacobson alongside him, he’ll have two relentless workers doing plenty of the heavy lifting.

As for the halves and the backline, there aren’t too many surprises. It’s more or less the combination that had been expected over the last 24 hours. There were rumours that Tupaea might have picked up an injury, but clearly that wasn’t the case.

Roigard and Love have been handed the keys, and I think that’s absolutely the right call. Jordan on the wing isn’t a surprise either. At Test level, though, I still think there are legitimate questions around his ability under the high ball and his tactical kicking.

As for Beauden Barrett, I’ve got no issues with the decision. In fact, it probably should have happened sooner. His experience still carries huge value within the squad, even if I struggle to see him playing a major on-field role for the All Blacks much longer.

More broadly, one thing stands out once again. No matter who the head coach is or who’s on the coaching staff, there remains a clear distinction between proven Test players and Super Rugby performers, no matter how dominant the latter may have been. The step up to Test rugby is enormous, and new players are still being introduced gradually rather than all at once.

Who are we to question Ted’s selections.

The loosies are an interesting pick. I would have though Jacobson at 6, Lakai 8, Savea 7. Jacobson is not really quick enough for 7.

They looking for Lakai to play those outside channels on the switchback how they finish as a Loosie trio if all goes to plan which guy drops out?

Interesting team not quite what I hoped but still backing the boys my only thing with a guy like Fehi bench is that he gets on and they don’t balk if game is uncomfortable my other thing will be hooe Reuben doesn’t get yanked if that starting pack don’t lay him some platform and it’s a we need Dmacs experience in the pivot type thing situation

I like what I am seeing.

The lineout will be interesting.

Darry and Lord are very solid in the air. But there are no other realistic jumping options

The tallest loose forward is at Openside. A Savea and Lakai have good spring, but more ‘sometimes’ jumpers, rather than ‘secondary’ jumpers.

Good mobility in the loose trio. Perhaps Rennie plans on keeping the ball in play?

Maybe some contestable kicks? France has a very good aerial game, so that would be a risk. McKenzie will have to put all his bravery on show.

Some pretty underwhelming selections to be honest. DMac at 15 and Jordon on the wing. Really? If Jordan is fit he should have started at 15. The players who stood out at wing in Super rugby should have started there rather than an injured p[layer coming back. I think DMac is a better substitute than a starting player. Loose forwards look unbalanced and for me Jacobson isn’t an international level 7. He goes missing and is better at 6, but again not at international level.

Good luck to the boys and I hope they win, but I’m less confident than I was.

That is the strangest loose forward trio I've ever seen. Really thought they’d go for proctor at 13 instead of shoehorning a 12 in there, despite Quinns strong season.

A really strange bench, with a specialist winger and specialist 13 on there.

Can see the logic . If Love doesnt work out can move DMac to 10 Jordan to 15 and bring on Fehi

Strange team and not want I would have expected.

Really expected them to go with Hurricanes combinations given lack of training time prior to the test and then some interesting picks - has Lakai ever played 6 before? Actually have Savea, Jacobsen and Lakai ever played together as a loose forward trio?

Would not be super shocked if France win on Saturday, but let’s see how we go I guess.

Not impressed with the selections here. I hope they prove me wrong but this is pretty poor in places. Jacobson at 7 FFS. At least Ruben starting finally.