WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named four new caps including Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland in his team to play France in the first rugby test at Dunedin on Saturday.
Holland has been named in the starting lineup along with Crusaders backrower Christian Lio-Willie. Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Hurricanes backrower Du'Plessis Kirifi are on the bench.
The 22-year-old Holland was born in the Netherlands and moved to Christchurch as a teenager to play high school rugby before signing with the Dunedin-based Highlanders, first at age-group level, then in Super Rugby.
Lio-Willie was initially named in Robertson's squad for the France series as injury cover from Chiefs backrower Luke Jacobson. He has been promoted into the starting lineup in place of Wallace Sititi, World Rugby's Breakout Player of the Year last year, who has an ankle injury.
Lio-Willie will play at No. 8 while Ardie Savea will start on the openside flank and lock Tupou Vaa'i on the blindside.
“This is a huge moment for these men and their families," Robertson said of the new caps. "We are all thrilled for them.
"For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of a Dunedin home crowd and I am sure Fabian’s Highlanders supporters and Christian’s Otago fans will be out in full force. Ollie and Du’Plessis have both shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready.”
Robertson has moved regular outside center Rieko Ioane to the right wing and has named Billy Proctor in the No. 13 jersey for his third test. Proctor will combine in midfield with Jordie Barrett who missed the Super Rugby season while playing for Leinster in Ireland.
All three Beauden brothers are in the starting lineup with Beauden at flyhalf and captain Scott at lock where he will combine with Holland.
Will Jordan will start at fullback while Damian McKenzie has been named on the bench. Sevu Reece is on the left wing.
France has sent an understrength team for the three-match series, choosing not to select players who were involved in the closing rounds of the French Top 14 competition, with the final between Bordeaux-Bègles and Toulouse played just last Saturday.
Still, France has a record of beating the All Blacks when least expected. France beat New Zealand 30-29 in the last match between the teams in November last year. That victory gave France a record-tying third straight victory against the All Blacks, matching their best winning streak from 1994-95.
“Facing France is always special,” Robertson said. “They bring intensity, flair, and physicality. As a group we've had a fantastic 10 days together, preparing for the three-test series ahead of us.”
However, France coach Fabien Galthié named five uncapped players in a hugely inexperienced starting side.
Two of those are in the backs with Joris Segonds picked at flyhalf and Tom Spring on the right wing, while in the forwards Giorgi Beria debuts at prop with Tyler Duguid selected at lock and Alexandre Fischer at flanker.
There are three other novices named among the reserves for Six Nations champion France, which left out star wingers wingers Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Damian Penaud, while star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont was never considered since he is still recovering from a serious right knee injury.
Galthié’s side has only three players in the starting lineup with more than 10 test caps: veteran captain Gaël Fickou at center (94 caps), prop Rabah Slimani (57) and left winger Gabin Villière (18).
“The constraints of the Six Nations, the November tests, the Top 14, and the European Cup leave us with no other choice for the summer tour,” Galthié said. “I asked the players before leaving: 'The challenge seems impossible. Are you in?’ They all said yes.”
Scrumhalf Nolann Le Garrec (10 caps) partners Segonds in a raw halves pairing set to be severely tested in Dunedin given the majority of Robertson’s side is vastly experienced and packed with mainstays.
Galthié accepted criticism from sections of the New Zealand media, with former halfback Justin Marshall among the sternest critics of his decision to bring an under-strength squad.
“I understand very well that, on the international circuit, people don't understand why the team that went undefeated in November and won the (Six Nations) tournament isn't there," he said.
The teams are scheduled to play the second test in Wellington on July 12 and at Hamilton a week later.
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AP Sports Writer Jerome Pugmire in Paris contributed.
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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby
Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press
