France Make Eight Changes, Adding Experience for Final All Blacks Test

In a strategic move to bolster their lineup for the third and final test against the All Blacks, France has made eight changes to their starting XV. Centre Gaël Fickou, a seasoned player with 95 caps to his name, will return to lead the side, marking a significant moment in his storied career.

The All Blacks are currently looking to complete a clean sweep, having dominated the first two tests in Dunedin and Wellington. However, France’s coach, Fabian Galthié, has opted for a blend of experience and emerging talent, aiming to ensure a strong performance in Hamilton at the FMG Stadium Waikato.

In the first test, the All Blacks secured a narrow 31-27 victory in Dunedin. The second test saw a more decisive result, with the All Blacks winning 43-17 in Wellington, despite making only three injury-enforced changes. France, on the other hand, fielded a team with 10 changes, highlighting the contrast in approach between the two sides.

Gaël Fickou will wear the captain’s armband for the third test, earning his 96th cap. Other notable inclusions include tighthead prop Rabah Slimani, who will make his 59th test appearance, and winger Gabin Villière, who is set to play his 20th test. Collectively, these three players have accumulated 172 caps, a number that dwarfs the combined caps of the entire French starting XV in the second test (63 caps).

Four players—loosehead prop Baptiste Erdocio, lock Matthias Halagahu, and flankers Alexandre Fischer and Joshua Brennan—will earn their second test caps following their debut appearances on the tour. Loose forward Pierre Bochaton and halfback Thibault Daubagna will also make their second caps from the bench.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have made 10 changes to their lineup, including several players making their first appearances of the year. Prop Tyrel Lomax, No 8 Luke Jacobson, centre Anton Lienert-Brown, and fullback Ruben Love will all start in Hamilton. Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, flanker Samipeni Finau, halfback Cortez Ratima, first-five Damian McKenzie, and second-five Quinn Tupaea will make their first starts, while wing Sevu Reece returns after missing the second test due to concussion.

The third test promises to be a highly anticipated clash, with both teams aiming to leave a lasting impression. The match will take place on Saturday at 7:05 PM at the FMG Stadium Waikato, with live coverage available via Tribe from 6:30 PM.

France's lineup includes Léo Barré, Théo Attissogbé, Nicolas Depoortère, Gaël Fickou (captain), Gabin Villière, Atoine Hastoy, Nolan Le Garrec, Mickaël Guillard, Joshua Brennan, Alexandre Fischer, Matthias Halagahu, Hugo Auradou, Rabah Slimani, Pierre Bourgait, Baptiste Erdocio, with reserves including Gaëtan Barlot, Paul Mallez, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifénua, Killian Tixeront, Pierre Bochaton, Thibault Daubagna, and Émilien Gailleton.

The All Blacks' lineup features Ruben Love, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (captain), Samipeni Finau, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, with reserves including Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Will Jordan.