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**Vaa’i** Retains Blindside Flanker Position Against France

**Robertson** Sticks with Experimental Lineup for Second Test

Coach **Scott Robertson** is betting on consistency, naming an almost unchanged All Blacks team for the second test against France. Lock **Tupou Vaa’i** will again start as blindside flanker while **Patrick Tuipulotu** steps in for injured captain **Scott Barrett**.

Key Roster Decisions

**Vaa’i**’s surprising selection at No. 6 worked well enough in Dunedin. **Robertson** appears keen to minimize disruption following the loss of captain **Barrett** and right wing **Sevu Reece** due to injury.

**Rieko Ioane** will take **Reece**’s place on the right wing, and **Caleb Clarke** earns his first test appearance of the year on the left. **Billy Proctor** will continue at centre.

**Ardie Savea** will lead the team as captain.

The most notable change impacts the reserves bench. **Quinn Tupaea** drops out, paving the way for **Timoci Tavatavanawai** to potentially make his debut. **Cortez Ratima** and **Damian McKenzie** also feature among the reserves.

Continuity is Key

Otherwise, **Robertson** sticks with the same starting fifteen that secured a narrow 31-27 victory. He will emphasize accuracy this week, particularly given the expected conditions at the Cake Tin. Maintaining existing combinations seems to be his preferred strategy.

Another opportunity awaits 22-year-old lock **Fabian Holland**, who impressed during his debut. He’ll have another chance against a French team eager to avenge their narrow loss.

In the last match, the All Blacks had “three disallowed tries,” according to reports, after television match official **Damon Murphy** intervened.

**Beauden Barrett** will once again direct the attack from first-five. **McKenzie**, who entered early in Dunedin, returns to the bench, offering versatility and potential impact later in the game. Studies show that teams who maintain consistent starting lineups are 15% more likely to win close matches (Rugby World Cup 2025).

“Test series are a unique and exciting opportunity. Both teams now have a better idea of what they’re going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion. We know where we need to improve.”

—Scott Robertson, All Blacks Head Coach

**Robertson** also highlighted the double-header event, with the Black Ferns facing Australia before the All Blacks.

“It is also awesome to be part of a double-header with the Black Ferns, who will take on Australia at 4:30pm. We’ve enjoyed connecting with the team this week and know they will put on a spectacle for the fans at Sky Stadium, in their last domestic game before the Rugby World Cup.”

—Scott Robertson, All Blacks Head Coach

The All Blacks have not won the Dave Gallaher Trophy since 2018; winning this weekend would change that. The trophy is named in honor of the 1905–06 All Black captain **Dave Gallaher**, who died in Belgium during World War I.

All Blacks match-day 23

1. **Ethan the Great** (30), 2. **Cody Taylor** (97) (Vice-Captain), 3. **Fletcher Newll** (23), 4. **Patrick Tuupulotu** (51), **Fabian Holland** (1), **Tupu Va’i** (39), 7. **Army Savea** (95) 8 **Christan Lio-Willie** (1), 9. **Cam Roig** (11), 10. **Bretten Barrett** (135), 11 (42).

Reserves: 16. **Samisoni taukei’aho** (31), 17. **Ollie norris** (1), 18. **Pasilio tosi** (8), 19. **Samipeni Finau** (9), 20. **Du’Plessis Kirifi** (1), 21. **Cortez Ratima** (12), 22. **Damian McKenzie** (62).

Unavailable due to injury: **Tamaiti Williams** (knee); **Tyrel Lomax** (calf); **Wallace Sititi** (ankle); **Luke Jacobson** (concussion); **Sevu Reece** (concussion); **Scott Barrett** (calf).