All Blacks XV Named: Coach Chief “Trusting Felas Young”, makes ten changes for the third test
All of Blacks Scott Robertson’s Blacks Coach says he will “believe in Fellas Young” to complete a series sweep against France after discovering 10 initial changes on Thursday for the third and final test.
Robertson remained faithful to his pre-series commitment to give the game time to every suitable player in his beginner All the blacks team, rolling the dice for Saturday’s collision in Hamilton.
A host of players involved in last week 43-17 Second test win in Wellington are left out, desires finding a pace after a tense series of series was won 31-27 in Dunedin.
Hooker Brodie Mcalister is ready to make his test debut from the bench while Ruben Love will begin a first start, as he has scored a lonely lid as a replacement against Japan last year.
Love and Mcalister are among the eight players who played no role in the first two tests against a weakened French team that are resting most of their first choice players.
Only the rieko Ioane arm is held by the start line of last week.
Robertson gained a reputation to make some unnecessary changes during the season of his daughters in charge last year.
However, with the sewing series, he wanted to take a step towards building the depth of players in front of the Rugby World Cup 2027.
“When the chances come, you can’t play them, you have to get them there,“Robertson told reporters on Thursday.
“Think the ability to trust young felas, set them to be successful and you go out.
“It was really important for us to see this other team with respect.
“Of course, the French have used many players and they are a tough opponent, and they are a proud opponent and will be a hell of a week.“
Robertson was comforted that three of the promoted start-up players-Prop Tyrel Lomax, half of the flight Damian McKenzie and the rear midfield Anton Lienert-Brown-all played more than 50 tests.
McKenzie’s instinctive creator is among the seven starters playing for the Super Rugby team the Waikato Shefat, whose terrain is Hamilton.
McKenzie replaces the veteran of the 136 test Beauden Barrett, who suffered a hand injury in training that requires a scan. Robertson said he believed the injury was small.
Ardie Savea has been appointed captain for a second right match in the absence of regular Skipper Scott Barrett, who damaged a beef muscle in the first test.
France Coach Fabien Gallthie is also expected to change his team significantly, to be announced later on Thursday.
New Zealand XV Vs France:
15. RUBEN LOVE, 14. Sevu Reece, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 11. Rieko Ioane, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. Cortez Ratima
8. Luke Jacobson, 7. Ardie (Cat) survey, 6. Samipyen Finau, 5. Fabian Holland, 4
REPLACEMENT: 16. Brodie Mcalister, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Dalton Papali’i, 20. Du’plesis Kirfi, 21. Noah Hotham, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai,