The New Zealand All Blacks are set to host France Rugby for a three-test series beginning this Saturday in Dunedin. This series marks New Zealand’s return to international rugby in 2025 after losing the Rugby Championship title to South Africa last September. However, their lineup will be missing a key player, Wallace Sititi, the 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury.
Without Sititi, the All Blacks’ plans to reposition Ardie Savea to openside flanker have been disrupted. Savea had shown exceptional form in this position during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign with Moana Pasifika. Adding to their challenges, Tamaiti Williams is also out of the series due to a knee injury.
France’s Inexperienced Squad Faces Tough Challenge
Meanwhile, France has dispatched a largely inexperienced squad for the tour, with several senior players resting following the Top 14 Championship final last weekend. This has been a recurring issue for France, as their domestic rugby calendar often clashes with international tours, preventing them from fielding full-strength teams.
France has not defeated the All Blacks on New Zealand soil since 2009, and the current tour is expected to continue this trend. The last encounter in 2018 resulted in a series whitewash, with the All Blacks dominating with a combined score of 127-38 over three tests.
Viewing Information and Kickoff Details
For fans eager to watch the series, the New Zealand All Blacks vs. France match can be streamed live in the U.S. on Flo Rugby. The service offers live streams, on-demand replays, and a host of additional content including real-time stats and game clips.
The opening match will take place at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at 3:05 a.m. ET. The series will continue with matches in Wellington and Hamilton on July 12 and July 19, respectively.
Series Schedule
- Saturday, July 5: All Blacks vs France at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (3:05 a.m. ET)
- Saturday, July 12: All Blacks vs France at Sky Stadium, Wellington (3:05 a.m. ET)
- Saturday, July 19: All Blacks vs France at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (3:05 a.m. ET)
Implications and Expectations
The series is not just a test of skill but also a strategic battle, with both teams having much to prove. For New Zealand, it’s a chance to reassert their dominance after a disappointing Rugby Championship, while France aims to break their long-standing losing streak in New Zealand.
Expert opinions suggest that the All Blacks, despite missing key players, remain favorites due to their depth and experience. However, the French team, though young and less experienced, could use this tour as a valuable learning opportunity, setting the stage for future competitions.
As the series unfolds, rugby enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if France can defy expectations or if the All Blacks will continue their historical dominance. The outcome of this series could have implications for both teams’ strategies leading into future international competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the series progresses, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of international rugby.
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