Scott Robertson’s first match-day squad of the year has come with several surprises, the biggest of which is lock Tupou Vaa’i starting at blindside flanker and Fabian Holland making his debut at lock.
Christian Lio-Willie, initially included in the squad as injury cover after helping the Crusaders to the Super Rugby Pacific title, will start at No.8 in his Test debut.
Injuries and recent heavy workloads have clearly played a part in Robertson’s thinking for the Test against France in Dunedin on Saturday night, with tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax unavailable and no sign of Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu.
Vaa’i has played flanker in a Test before – during the 2023 World Cup – but Robertson’s decision to go with him there rather than Samipeni Finau, who is on the bench, is an intriguing one.
Elsewhere, Rieko Ioane is on the left wing with Billy Proctor to start at centre, and Sevu Reece on the right. Will Jordan retains his place at fullback, as expected.
As predicted, Beauden Barrett will start at first-five, with Damian McKenzie on the bench. Cam Roigard gets the nod as starting halfback over Cortez Ratima, with Jordie Barrett straight back at second-five after his sabbatical in Ireland.
Two others, Ollie Norris and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, are in line to make their Test debuts off the bench.
Robertson said the uncapped players have worked hard to get to this point.
"This is a huge moment for these men and their families, we are all thrilled for them. For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of a Dunedin home crowd and I am sure Fabian’s Highlanders supporters and Christian’s Otago fans will be out in full force.
“Ollie and Du’Plessis have both shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready.”
Holland's ascension to a starting spot is quite the story given the 22-year-old was born in the Netherlands and decided at the age of 14 that he wanted to move to New Zealand to pursue his rugby dream.
"He's pretty excited... from Zeeland to New Zealand - he's come a long way. It's pretty single-minded from a 14-year-old to make that call to come over and represent another country in a game he loves and he saw the All Blacks as the ultimate," Robertson said.
"His [first] opportunity is down here under the roof. It's movie sort of stuff isn't it?"
The 2.04m Holland clearly has size but just as importantly grit and determination. It is what has got him this far this quickly and Robertson clearly has high hopes for the young man who will start alongside skipper Scott Barrett.
Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell make up the starting front row, with recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and seven-Test prop Pasilio Tosi in the reserves.
Vice-captain Ardie Savea will wear the No.7 jersey.
“Facing France is always special - they bring intensity, flair, and physicality," Robertson said. "As a group we have had a fantastic 10 days together preparing for the three-Test series ahead of us.
"We are ready for the challenge and what better place to kick it off than under the roof in Dunedin in front of a packed home crowd," Robertson said.
The Test, the first of three against an under-strength French squad, is sold out.
All Blacks match-day 23
(Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (29)
2. Codie Taylor (96)
3. Fletcher Newell (22)
4. Scott Barrett (80) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland *
6. Tupou Vaa’i (38)
7. Ardie Savea (94) (Vice-Captain)
8. Christian Lio-Willie *
9. Cam Roigard (10)
10. Beauden Barrett (134)
11. Rieko Ioane (81)
12. Jordie Barrett (68) (Vice-Captain)
13. Billy Proctor (2)
14. Sevu Reece (32)
15. Will Jordan (41)
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (30)
17. Ollie Norris *
18. Pasilio Tosi (7)
19. Samipeni Finau (8)
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi *
21. Cortez Ratima (11)
22. Quinn Tupaea (14)
23. Damian McKenzie (61)
Unavailable due to injury:
Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone)
SHARE ME