Rieko Ioane moved again as one debutant named for the All Blacks

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has today named his second 23-man squad of the year, ahead of the second Test of the home series against France this weekend in Wellington.

The first Test for the All Blacks didn’t go exactly to plan, as they narrowly squeezed past France 31–27 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, a performance they’ll be looking to improve on this weekend.

Ardie Savea will captain the side after Scott Barrett was ruled out of the rest of the series with a lower leg injury, with Jordie Barrett and Codie Taylor picking up the vice-captain duties.

Robertson has named a familiar and experienced front row to take on France, the same trio that started the first Test, with Ethan de Groot set to start alongside Crusaders duo Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell.

Fabian Holland will start at lock alongside Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu, who will make his first appearance for the All Blacks in 2025.

Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i continues at blindside flanker, joined by captain Ardie Savea and Christian Lio-Willie in the loose forwards.

Robertson has picked Beauden Barrett to start at No.10 for the second Test running and has stuck with Damian McKenzie on the bench again to cover the playmaking positions.

Sevu Reece’s category one HIA rules him out of the second Test in Wellington, meaning Rieko Ioane shifts to his less favoured right-wing spot.

Caleb Clarke, who wasn’t at his destructive best during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, is trusted on the left wing.

Billy Proctor, who will play his second consecutive game in the All Blacks No.13 jersey, will look to solidify his spot in the All Blacks this weekend on his home ground.

Robertson’s bench unit once again features a heavy Chiefs presence, with Samisoni Taukei’aho, Norris, Samipeni Finau, Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie all set to feature off the bench.

Robertson has no doubt that his team will lift once again, after they have identified where they need to improve.

“Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve,” Scott Robertson said on an NZR statement.

“It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm. We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.”

Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Sevu Reece (concussion); Scott Barrett (calf)

Full All Blacks lineup for 1st Test against France:

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor (Vice-captain)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Patrick Tuipulotu
5. Fabian Holland
6. Tupou Vaa’i
7. Ardie Savea (Captain)
8. Christian Lio-Willie
9. Cameron Roigard
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Caleb Clarke
12. Jordie Barrett (Vice-captain)
13. Billy Proctor
14. Rieko Ioane
15. Will Jordan

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

29

24

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

100%

Bench:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho

17. Ollie Norris

18. Pasilio Tosi

19. Samipeni Finau

20. Du’Plessis Kirifi

21. Cortez Ratima

22. Timoci Tavatavanawai

23. Damian McKenzie