Surprises in Robertson's All Blacks team to face France in first Test

Scott Robertson’s first match-day squad of the year has come with several surprises, the biggest of which is lock Tupou Vaa’i starting at blindside flanker and Fabian Holland making his debut at lock.

Christian Lio-Willie, initially included in the squad as injury cover after helping the Crusaders to the Super Rugby Pacific title, will start at No.8 in his Test debut.

Injuries and recent heavy workloads have clearly played a part in Robertson’s thinking for the Test against France in Dunedin on Saturday night, with tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax unavailable and no sign of Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Vaa’i has played flanker in a Test before – during the 2023 World Cup – but Robertson’s decision to go with him there rather than Samipeni Finau, who is on the bench, is an intriguing one.

Elsewhere, Rieko Ioane has been moved to the right wing to allow Billy Proctor to start at centre, with Sevu Reece moving to the left. Ioane’s move is not as unexpected.

As predicted, Beauden Barrett will start at first-five, with Damian McKenzie on the bench. Cam Roigard gets the nod as starting halfback over Cortez Ratima, with Jordie Barrett straight back at second-five after his sabbatical in Ireland.

Two others, Ollie Norris and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi are in line to make their Test debuts off the bench.

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.”

Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell make up the starting front row, with recalled All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and 7-test prop Pasilio Tosi in the reserves.

Vice-captain Ardie Savea will wear the No.7 jersey.

“Facing France is always special - they bring intensity, flair, and physicality. As a group we have had a fantastic ten days together, preparing for the three-test series ahead of us.

"We are ready for the challenge and what better place to kick it off than under the roof in Dunedin, in front of a packed home crowd," Robertson said.

* More to come

(Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)

1.   Ethan de Groot (29)

2. Codie Taylor (96)

3.   Fletcher Newell (22)

4.   Scott Barrett (80) (Captain)

5. Fabian Holland *

6.   Tupou Vaa’i (38)

7.   Ardie Savea (94) (Vice-Captain)

8.   Christian Lio-Willie *

9.   Cam Roigard (10)

10. Beauden Barrett (134)

11. Sevu Reece (32)

12. Jordie Barrett (68) (Vice-Captain)

13. Billy Proctor (2)

14. Rieko Ioane (81)

15. Will Jordan (41)

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (30)

17. Ollie Norris *

18. Pasilio Tosi (7)

19. Samipeni Finau (8)

20. Du’Plessis Kirifi *

21. Cortez Ratima (11)

22. Quinn Tupaea (14)

23. Damian McKenzie (61)

Tamaiti Williams (knee); Tyrel Lomax (calf); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Luke Jacobson (concussion); Anton Lienert-Brown (collarbone)