Which All Black has the most to prove against France in Wellington?

Keywords: NEWS, Rugby, Sports, All Blacks, Ardie Savea, Scott Barrett, Emoni Narawa, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Six Nations Championship
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Saturday, 12 July 2025

Which All Black has the most to prove against France in Wellington?

As the All Blacks prepare for their second test against France in Wellington, the spotlight is on several key players who have much to prove on the international stage.


With the All Blacks looking to bounce back from a hard-fought but narrow victory in Dunedin, the pressure is on for several players to deliver under the bright lights of Sky Stadium. The match, set to take place on a potentially wet and blustery evening, could prove to be a test of both skill and adaptability.


The team's stand-in captain, Ardie Savea, is under particular scrutiny. Savea, who took the helm in the absence of Scott Barrett due to a hand injury, has a chance to put behind the disappointment of the previous match against Argentina in Wellington. That game, which saw the All Blacks fall to a 38-30 defeat, was a low point in Savea's leadership tenure. Now, with Barrett sidelined again due to a calf injury, Savea has the opportunity to rewrite his narrative and lead the team to a more satisfying result.


Meanwhile, centre Billy Proctor faces his own challenges. Proctor was criticized for missing a key tackle in the previous match, which allowed the French to score. His performance will be closely watched as the All Blacks look to build a more cohesive and effective attack.


Wings Rieko Ioane and Emoni Narawa also have their work cut out for them. Both players will be tasked with winning contested kicks, a crucial aspect of the game, especially in the potentially difficult conditions expected at Sky Stadium.


Timoci Tavatavanawai, while not under the same level of pressure, will also be expected to perform when called upon. His ability to handle the high-stakes environment will be a point of interest.


The All Blacks' set-pieces will also be under the microscope. With the team looking to sharpen their attack, the forwards will need to provide a solid platform for the backs to work with. The presence of experienced players like Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock will be vital in this regard.


On the other side, the French team will be eager to capitalize on any mistakes. The match promises to be a battle of wills, with both teams looking to gain momentum in the series.


As the game approaches, the All Blacks will be focusing on their preparation, ensuring that they are ready for the challenges ahead. With the right mix of strategy and execution, the team has the potential to deliver a strong performance in Wellington.


For fans, the match is a chance to see the best of rugby on display. The atmosphere at Sky Stadium is always electric, and with the added pressure of the second test, the excitement is sure to be at a high.


Ultimately, the outcome of the match will depend on a number of factors, including the form of key players, the effectiveness of the coaching strategy, and the conditions on the day. As the All Blacks gear up for the clash, the focus is on delivering a performance that showcases their talent and determination.

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