All Blacks selectors Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named their team to play France in the first match of the three-test Lipovitan-D July Series at Forysth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Four players are set to make their All Blacks debut in Dunedin – lock Fabian Holland and loose forward Christian Lio-Willie are named in a strong starting fifteen, while prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi will prepare to debut off the bench.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the uncapped players have worked hard to get to this point and are ready to step into the test arena.
“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.”
An experienced front row of local hero Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell will face the French pack, with recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and 7-test prop Pasilio Tosi in the reserves. Captain Scott Barrett pairs with Holland at lock and Samipeni Finau prepares to make an impact off the bench.
