All Blacks get some Love as Rennie unveils team for France clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Ruben Love has been given the All Blacks flyhalf reins in Dave Rennie’s first New Zealand Test squad named Thursday to play France in Christchurch.
The 25-year-old has only played five tests for New Zealand but will start in the pivotal No.10 jumper after a stellar Super Rugby season in which he led the Hurricanes to the title.
Love was named alongside fellow Hurricanes Cam Roigard at halfback and Jordie Barrett at inside centre as Rennie looked to lean on an in-form combination.
“There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances,” Rennie said.
“We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.”
The form of Love made his selection a necessity, but Rennie sprung a surprise in the loose forwards with Chiefs’ Luke Jacobson named at openside flanker, with Blues’ Peter Lakai at blindside and captain Ardie Savea moved to No.8.
Only two debutants were named in Rennie’s side but both will come off the bench, Hurricanes duo Xavier Numia at prop and winger Fehi Fineanganofo set for their first caps.
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (Captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Fehi Fineanganofo.
Date: Saturday, July 4
Venue: One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.10 (09.10 CEST; 07.10 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce (England)
Assistant referees: Christophe Ridley (England), Katsuki Furuse (Japan)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
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