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last wk.

France Field Inexperienced Side for Dunedin Test Against All Blacks

France enforces strict conduct protocols after last year’s scandal by resting premium stars in a squad featuring eight debutants

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Les joueurs du XV de France s'entraînent à Auckland le 2 juillet 2025, à trois jours du test-match contre les All Blacks
Le capitaine des Bleus Gaël Fickou, lors d'un entraînement lors de la tournée en Nouvelle-Zélande, le 2 juillet à Auckland
Les joueurs du XV de France à l'entraîneement autour du sélectionneur Fabien Galthié (C) à Auckland le 2 juillet 2025, à trois jours du test-match contre les All Blacks

Overview

  • France unveiled its 23-man squad featuring only five players with more than ten caps in a team that includes eight debutants.
  • Top players such as Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud were rested under a Fédération Française de Rugby strategy to manage player workloads after an extended Top 14 season.
  • Raphaël Ibanez’s reinforced performance plan demands individual responsibility and collective vigilance with regular check-ins to prevent off-field misconduct.
  • New Zealand countered with a full-strength lineup centred on the Barrett spine alongside four debutants as France seeks its first win on All Blacks soil since 2009.
  • Former All Black Justin Marshall labelled the French selection “de la connerie totale,” with Dan Carter warning that physical strength will be decisive, questioning the inexperienced side’s readiness.