Veterans return for All Blacks as team to play France named

The All Blacks have named their team to face France with veterans Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett returning after missing the Ireland Test under return to play protocols.

Both veterans resume their starting roles at hooker and first five-eighth, with Asafo Aumua and Damian McKenzie moving to the bench.

Robertson has also opted for a back row re-shuffle with regular openside Sam Cane injured. Ardie Savea will start in the No 7 jersey for the first time this year, with Wallace Sititi moving to No 8 and Samipeni Finau getting a start at blindside. Hurricanes flanker Peter Lakai has been named as the loose forward reserve.

In another switch, halfback Cam Roigard will wear the No 9 jersey for the first time this year to partner Barrett in the halves with Cortez Ratima moving to the finishing role on the reserves.

Sevu Reece comes back into the side to replace Mark Tele’a who has been ruled out with a hand injury.

“It has been special to be here in Paris during Armistice Day,” Robertson said.

“We have honoured those commemorations as a team and also acknowledged the significance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named after one of our greatest All Black Captains who led the ‘Originals’ in the first ever Test match against France, and lost his life 11 years later in World War I.

“This is a trophy we would love to hold, and the players are prepared to take their opportunity in Paris this Saturday night.”

Fixture

Internationals

France

30 - 29

Full-time

New Zealand

All Stats and Data

All Blacks team to face France:

1. Tamaiti Williams
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa’i
6. Samipeni Finau
7. Ardie Savea
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Cam Roigard
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Sevu Reece
15. Will Jordan

Reserves

16. Asafo Aumua
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Patrick Tuipulotu
20. Peter Lakai
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Damian McKenzie