Dave Rennie has named his All Blacks matchday 23 for the clash against France at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.<\/p>\n
Rennie, in his first game in charge since taking over from Scott Robertson, has included two uncapped players on his bench in Hurricanes stars Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo.<\/p>\n
Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks<\/a> from the number eight jersey, with the new head coach and his co-selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes throwing a few selection surprises for the meeting with Les Blues<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ardie Savea captains New Zealand<\/p>\n Savea is joined in the loose trio by Chiefs star Luke Jacobson, who packs down in the number seven jersey, with 2026 Super Rugby Pacific champion Peter Lakai completing the back-row. With Wallace Sititi named on the bench, there is no space for German-born back-rower Anton Segner nor Chiefs\u2019 powerhouse Simon Parker.<\/p>\n Josh Lord and Sam Darry combine in the engine room with loosehead Ethan de Groot, hooker Codie Taylor and tighthead Fletcher Newell forming the front row.<\/p>\n Cam Roigard and Ruben Love have been named as the starting halfbacks after their impressive form during the Super Rugby Pacific season, guiding the Hurricanes to the title. They are joined in the backs by Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, who feature in the centres.<\/p>\n Further selection surprises come in the back-three with Will Jordan returning from injury but is named on the right wing, Caleb Clarke starts on the left whilst Damian McKenzie is at full-back.<\/p>\n Numia is in line for his Test debut from the bench where he offers front row cover with fellow \u2018Canes stars Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax while Patrick Tuipulotu will provide impact in the second row. Sititi completes the five forward replacements with Rennie<\/a> sticking to the traditional 5-3 bench split.<\/p>\n Kieran Read: Dave Rennie \u2018needs to make changes\u2019 and the evidence which will show new All Blacks boss has \u2019embraced\u2019 it<\/a><\/p>\n Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor and Fineanganofo are the three backline replacements, the latter in line for his Test debut after breaking the record for the most tries scored in a single Super Rugby Pacific season.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThere is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances. We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert,\u201d head coach Rennie said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is an honour to play the first Test match at the new Christchurch stadium and to bring the All Blacks back to this proud rugby region. What a way to start our season, playing under the roof in front of a sold-out stadium.\u201d<\/p>\n