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FWC: ESP v AUT from 6am, SN ExtraDave Rennie names first All Blacks team for clash with France
Sport Nation •  July 2nd, 2026 4:00 pm
Ardie Savea will captain the 2026 All Blacks | Photo: Photosport
New head coach Dave Rennie has named the first gameday squad of his All Blacks tenure for Saturday's Nations Championship opener in Christchurch on Saturday.
The lone newcomers in the matchday 23 are Hurricanes stand-outs Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia, who are in line to make their respective Test debut's from the bench at Te Kaha Stadium.
Ruben Love has been handed the reins at first-five, with Damian McKenzie starting at fullback alongside wings Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea form the midfield.
Captain Ardie Savea leads the way from No. 8, with Peter Lakai at blindside flanker and Luke Jacobson at openside.
Sam Darry and Josh Lord are the locking pair, with Tupou Vaa'u unavailable due to concussion. Patrick Tuipulotu provides cover from the pine.
Taine Randell on the 2026 All Blacks | Millsy & Guy
An experienced front row of Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will be backed up by Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax and Numia.
Rennie said his selection is based on both Super Rugby form and Test match experience.
"There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances," he said in a statement.
"We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.
“We 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.
"We’ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves."
The All Blacks continue their campaign against Italy in Wellington on July 11, before heading to Auckland to face Ireland on July 18.
All Blacks team vs France:
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Peter Lakai, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (c), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Tyrel Lomax, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Billy Proctor, 23. Fehi Fineanganofo.
For instant reaction, listen to former All Black Jeff Wilson's interview with Sport Nation below:
