All Blacks Announce Squad for Crucial Third Test Against France

As the All Blacks prepare for their third and final test against France in Hamilton on Saturday, head coach Scott Robertson has unveiled the squad for the crucial match. This will be the first time the French team faces the All Blacks in Hamilton, a venue where New Zealand has enjoyed an impressive 15-1 record in previous matches.

The All Blacks are looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep, a feat they have achieved five times in history, with the last occurrence in 2018. With 50 test wins against France, the All Blacks are second only to Australia (126 wins) in the number of victories against this opponent. This series win would mark a historic milestone for the team.

Despite the high stakes, the All Blacks face some challenges in the squad selection. Scott Barrett, the team’s captain, has already been ruled out for the series. Tupou Vaa’i also failed a head injury assessment (HIA) following the second test. However, Sevu Reece is expected to return after passing his HIA, adding depth to the backline.

One of the most notable players potentially in line for his 99th test cap is Codie Taylor. If selected, he would be just one cap away from reaching the century mark, a significant personal milestone.

On the other side, France has also suffered some setbacks with key players such as Pierre-Louis Barassi, Cameron Woki, and Régis Montagne ruled out before the series. Their recent form has been mixed, with two wins and three losses in their past five tests.

The match will be officiated by Australian referee Angus Gardner, who has a strong record with the All Blacks, having presided over 12 of their 15 test matches since 2016. Gardner’s presence could be a factor in the outcome, especially given his experience with both teams.

For fans looking to follow the action, live commentary will be available on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio. Sky Sport 1 will also broadcast the match, with live updates available on the NZ Herald website.

As the All Blacks prepare for this pivotal match, they will be looking to build on their recent success, which includes eight wins in their last nine tests. With a strong home record in Hamilton and a motivated squad, the All Blacks are well-positioned to complete a historic series victory.