New Zealand v France - Teams and Prediction
THIRD TEST PREVIEW: Ruben Love will run out at Waikato Stadium on Saturday without any fear as he aims to prove his worth to All Black head coach Scott Robertson.
The 24-year-old will pick up his second Test cap in Hamilton, and it will be his first start in an All Black jersey.
Love and replacement hooker Brodie McAlister are among eight players in the 23 who played no part in the first two Tests against France.
Love said representing the All Blacks on home soil with his family watching on from the stands was something he dreamed of as a youth.
He believes the experience around him in the squad has helped him prepare for the big occasion.
“When you’re training and competing against Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan, you gain a lot of confidence being around them, talking to them off the field and training with them on it,” he said.
“So, there’s no reason for me not to feel confident.
“I’ve been in this environment all of last year and have learned from the great coaches and players.
“This weekend, I’ve got experienced wings, and I’ve got Anton inside me. So, I’ve got to go out there, play my game and back myself.
For those unfamiliar with the Hurricanes flyer’s game, Love let people know what to expect from him in the All Blacks backfield.
“I think I can bring an X-factor, but also be reliable.
“I feel like I’ve done well under the high ball this year, so the French will do a lot of kicking, and I’ve just got to make sure I’m adept when they put a lot of those kicks up.
“I feel like I’m good at giving players confidence as well. I’m vocal on the field, and I have a ‘never say no’ attitude.
“I just want to be a great teammate, be reliable.”
The All Blacks were hit by an injury blow on Friday, on the eve of the third Test, losing experienced wing Rieko Ioane.
New Zealand team management said Ioane was ruled out of Saturday’s match in Hamilton because of a tight hamstring and had been replaced by Will Jordan.
Regular fullback Jordan is promoted from the bench to the right wing, with Sevu Reece switching from the right to the left wing to take Ioane’s spot.
Jordie Barrett is added to the replacements.
France head coach Fabien Galthié unveiled eight starting changes from the side that was hammered 17-43 in the second Test in Wellington.
Galthie recalled six players to the starting side who were involved in the tight 31-27 first Test loss in Dunedin but were omitted in Wellington.
Galthie chose to leave most of his first-choice personnel at home, travelling with a tour party featuring 22 uncapped players and numerous fringe Test contenders.
“This is the best possible team,” he told reporters this week, addressing critics of a vastly inexperienced line-up for the second Test.
“It’s a difficult time for the team. We hear what’s being said. It’s part of the game, but our determination is redoubled.”
Players to watch
For New Zealand: Hooker Brodie McAlister is poised to make his Test debut from the bench while fullback Ruben Love will make a first start, having notched a lone cap as a replacement against Japan last year. Instinctive playmaker Damian McKenzie is among seven starters who play for Super Rugby team the Chiefs, whose home ground is Hamilton. He replaces 136-Test veteran Beauden Barrett, who suffered a hand injury at training, which requires a scan.
For France: Veteran midfield back Gael Fickou is restored as captain. Experienced prop Rabah Slimani and impressive back row forwards Mickael Guillard and Alexandre Fischer will get starts in this match. Replacement prop Demba Bamba is the only player in Galthie’s 23-man matchday squad making his first appearance of the tour. Scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec and wing Theo Attissogbe will have started in all three Tests, while seven players won’t have taken to the playing field at all.
Prediction
@rugby365com: New Zealand by 22 points.
Teams:
New Zealand: 15 Ruben Love, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Anton Lienert-Brown, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Luke Jacobson, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Samipeni Finau, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Dalton Papali’i, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Noah Hotham, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Jordie Barrett.
France: 15 Leo Barre, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nicolas Depoortere, 12 Gael Fickou (captain), 11 Gabin Villiere; 10 Antoine Hastoy, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Joshua Brennan, 7 Mickael Guillard, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 5 Matthias Halagahu, 4 Hugo Auradou, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Pierre Bourgarit, 1 Baptiste Erdocio.
Replacements: 16 Gaetan Barlot, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Demba Bamba, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Killian Tixeront, 21 Pierre Bochaton, 22 Thibault Daubagna, 23 Emilien Gailleton.
Date: Saturday, July 19
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 French time; 07.05 GMT)
Expected weather: It will be clear, with temperatures in the low single digits.
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Damian Schneider (Argentina) & Takehito Namekawa (Japan)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
Additional sources: @AllBlacks & @Rugbypass
