All Blacks vs France: Where the Third Test Will Be Won

The upcoming third test between the All Blacks and France is shaping up to be a pivotal match, even though France is coming into the series with a weakened squad. The All Blacks, embracing a strategy of widespread rotation, are presenting an intriguing challenge for both teams. Liam Napier delves into the key areas where this match could tip the scales.

Ruben Love: A Rising Star

Ruben Love is a standout figure in this All Blacks squad. At just 24, he is already showing signs of becoming a world-class player. With a mix of natural talent and maturity, Love has been a key part of the Hurricanes and has been preparing meticulously for his debut in the test arena. This weekend, he will be stepping into the fullback role and covering for Damian McKenzie in the five-eighths position, a move that has been carefully considered by the coaching staff.

Love’s biggest challenge will be handling the high ball, a tactic France is expected to use frequently. This is a crucial test for Love, as the All Blacks’ back three has shown vulnerability in previous matches. However, Love’s confidence and preparation give him a strong chance to shine in this area.

Finishing the Job

Another key factor for the All Blacks is their ability to finish tries and maintain a ruthless edge in the final stages of the game. Recent performances have shown a slight regression in the last quarter, with the team scoring only 10 points in the past two weeks. This is a concern for the coaching staff, who are looking to inject more depth into the bench.

Injuries have affected key players, including Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, Scott Barrett, and Caleb Clarke, which has forced some unexpected promotions. With Beauden Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i unavailable, the All Blacks need to rely more heavily on their loose forward replacements.

Brodie McAlister, a late bloomer in the test arena, is expected to make an impact. His transition from the Crusaders to the Chiefs has been impressive, and his skills as a scrummager and forward are expected to be valuable in the coming matches.

French Ambush?

France, despite their weakened squad, is not to be underestimated. Coach Fabien Galthie has made several strategic changes, including recalling experienced players such as Gaël Fickou, Rabah Slimani, and Mickaël Guillard. These players missed the previous match and could provide a much-needed boost to the French team.

However, France is also dealing with their own set of injuries, including Cameron Woki and Pierre-Louis Barassi, which could limit their impact on the bench. Despite these challenges, a win for France would be enough to consider this tour a success.

The French team is also focusing on the scrum and maul, areas where the All Blacks have shown strength with the return of Tyrel Lomax. Lomax is a world-class prop and is expected to put additional pressure on the French pack.

No Barretts, No Worries?

The absence of the Barrett brothers—Beauden, Scott, and Jordie—marks a rare occurrence in the All Blacks’ history. This is the fifth time in the past decade that no Barrett has been in the squad. While the All Blacks have a strong record in these matches, the absence of the Barretts introduces a new level of risk.

With no specialist lock cover and no Beauden Barrett insurance policy, the All Blacks will need to rely on their other players to step up. The coaching staff is hopeful for a smoother ride in this match, but the absence of the Barretts adds an element of unpredictability.

Despite these challenges, the All Blacks are confident in their ability to adapt and perform. With a strong team and a clear focus on finishing opportunities, the All Blacks are well-positioned to continue their dominance against France in this crucial match.