France Slammed for ‘Utter Nonsense’ as All Blacks Unveil Surprise Selections for Opening Test in Dunedin

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled several unexpected selections ahead of New Zealand’s season opener against France in Dunedin this Saturday.

Fabian Holland, who hails from the Netherlands and relocated to New Zealand solo at just 16 to pursue his rugby aspirations, has been given the nod to make his Test debut at lock, partnering with captain Scott Barrett.

Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Willie, a qualified dentist, will also take the field for his debut, despite not being included in the initial squad for the three-Test series.

The 26-year-old has quickly risen through the ranks following injuries to Chiefs loose forwards Wallace Sititi (ankle) and Luke Jacobson (concussion).

Australian-born prop Ollie Norris and Hurricanes flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi – named after former Springboks captain Morne du Plessis – are also set to make their All Blacks debuts from the bench at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“This is a significant moment for these players and their families,” Robertson expressed.

“We are incredibly excited for these players. It will be a memorable occasion for Fabian and Christian, especially in front of a home crowd in Dunedin, and I’m certain that the Highlanders and Otago supporters will turn out in large numbers. Ollie and Du’Plessis have both displayed exceptional talent in Super Rugby this year and are fully prepared,” Robertson highlighted.

Regular centre Rieko Ioane will line up on the left wing to make space for Hurricanes standout Billy Proctor at outside centre. Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i will play at blindside flanker with Ardie Savea taking the No.7 jersey.

Other absentees include Tamaiti Williams (knee), Tyrel Lomax (calf), and Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone).

NEW PODCAST! Star flanker Fraser McReight joins the boys live from inside the Wallabies camp as they gear up for their match against Fiji on Sunday.

France have triumphed over the All Blacks in their last three encounters, but they’ve arrived in New Zealand with a notably understrength squad, opting to leave out players who participated in the final rounds of the Top 14 competition.

Twenty of France’s squad members have not yet earned their caps, with 11 players lacking even a Wikipedia profile at the time of selection.

“To be honest, I’m really disappointed,” said All Blacks legend Justin Marshall during an appearance on The Breakdown, available for streaming on Stan Sport.

“The team the French have sent is evidently lacking in power, with an average age of 25 and an average of just 9.3 caps per player.

“This squad has an extremely low level of experience, with nearly half the players having no caps at all. It’s effectively a development team sprinkled with a few veterans,” Marshall commented.

“In my view, it’s absolutely ridiculous the way they’re approaching this tour. It seems the French continuously come up with reasons to avoid sending their top players, which I believe disrespects the international window,” Marshall added.

Robertson endeavoured to emphasise the risks posed by Les Bleus.

“Competing against France is always an occasion to cherish,” he remarked.

“They bring intensity, flair, and physical prowess. As a team, we’ve enjoyed a fantastic ten days together, gearing up for the three-Test series. We are poised for the challenge, and what better venue to start than under the roof in Dunedin, in front of a full house.”

ALL BLACKS (15-1): Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard, Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (c), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot

Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie