Overview

• The 23-man squad features eight uncapped players, including five in the starting XV for Saturday’s Test at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
• Overlapping Top 14 finals rendered many of France’s leading internationals unavailable for the three-Test New Zealand tour.
• Critics in France and New Zealand have called the decision disrespectful and questioned the series’ competitive value.
• Galthié defended the selection as the best option under the current calendar and an opportunity to accelerate squad depth.
• The opening match kicks off on July 5 in Dunedin, with subsequent Tests scheduled in Wellington and Hamilton.