A New Chapter in Rugby: All Blacks Begin 2025 Test Season Against France

Kick-off for the first test of the 2025 rugby season is set for 7:05 PM on Saturday, 5 July at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. With the roof closed to ensure optimal playing conditions, the All Blacks, led by head coach Scott Robertson, will face an intriguing challenge from a French side featuring a significant number of debutants. After the intense Super Rugby Pacific season, this match marks the start of international action and a new chapter for both teams.

All Blacks Lineup and Strategy

Royalty in the All Blacks lineup includes debutants like Fabian Holland, who joins the second row for his first test appearance, and Christian Lio-Willie, starting at number eight. Beauden Barrett retains his role at fly-half, and Rieko Ioane returns to the wing after a long absence. Billy Proctor, who had a standout season with the Hurricanes, is also starting at center. The bench includes notable call-ups such as Ollie Norris and Quinn Tupaea, who are expected to play key roles as the season progresses.

France: A Fresh and Young Side

France, coming off a successful Six Nations campaign, enter the game with a squad that is over one-third composed of debutants. Players like Giorgi Beria, Tyler Duguid, and Joris Segonds will wear the French jersey for the first time. Captain Gaël Fickou brings the bulk of the experience to the squad, and with only a few players having faced the All Blacks before, France is entering this game with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The team's strategy will likely rely on territory and discipline, aiming to frustrate the All Blacks' fast-paced style.

Historical Context and Expectations

France holds a slight edge in recent encounters, having won the last three tests against the All Blacks, a run that matches their best in history (1994–1995). The All Blacks' most dramatic win over France was a 62–13 victory in the 2015 World Cup, a record that remains unmatched. The last French win on New Zealand soil occurred in Dunedin in 2009, and while this game is in the same city, the context is vastly different due to the high turnover in the French roster.

What the Coaches Are Saying

Scott Robertson emphasized the need for vigilance: "We expect everything from them. Nothing has changed since the end-of-year tour to the Six Nations; the style they play remains the same. They're a very good territory team; they put pressure on you, keep you in your back fence as much as possible, and force errors. They're highly disciplined."

On the other side, France coach Fabien Galthié acknowledged the challenges: "Finding players for the summer tours is a challenge we've been facing for six years. I said to all the players, 'The challenge seems impossible to achieve, are you in?' and everyone who's there said yes."

What to Expect

With the All Blacks' depth and experience, they are expected to dominate this opening match. Their focus on speed and intensity should give them the upper hand, especially given the inexperience of many French players. However, France's strategy to keep the All Blacks in their half and force errors could create opportunities. The performance of Rieko Ioane in the wing role will be a key factor, as his role has evolved from pure finisher to a more involved carrier in recent seasons.

A Crucial Start to the Season

A win for the All Blacks will set a strong tone for the rest of the test season. If they falter, it could create doubts about their readiness for the World Cup cycle. The match offers a chance to observe how the coaching staff integrates new talent and how the team adapts to evolving roles. For France, it's an opportunity to test their potential in New Zealand and begin their summer tour on a positive note, despite the daunting challenge.

Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as this pivotal match unfolds. Whether you're in Dunedin or watching from afar, the All Blacks v France opener is set to be a thrilling start to the 2025 rugby season.