Overview
- Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to lead New Zealand after Scott Barrett was ruled out with a torn calf.
- Patrick Tuipulotu joins the second row and Caleb Clarke fills in on the wing following Barrett’s injury and Reece’s concussion.
- Uncapped centre Timoci Tavatavanawai is named on the bench and set to earn his first All Blacks cap.
- France coach Fabien Galthie has reshuffled his pack with ten changes, appointing hooker Gaetan Barlot captain and fielding starters averaging four caps each.
- Both sides seek to sharpen their play after New Zealand’s narrow 31-27 win in Dunedin when they meet at Wellington Regional Stadium.