All Blacks coach Robertson gives Love a chance against France
Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 31, 2024 New Zealand coach Scott Robertson before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo
Ruben Love will start at fullback in a much-changed lineup as the All Blacks look to complete a 3-0 whitewash of France in the series finale in Hamilton on Saturday.
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson made good on his pledge to give everyone in his wider squad a chance, bringing in seven players for their first taste of test rugby this season.
Wellington Hurricanes fullback Love gets his second test cap following his debut against Japan last year, while Luke Jacobson will start at number eight in a rejigged back row after recovering from injury.
Samipeni Finau replaces the injured Tupou Vaa'i in the number six shirt, while stand-in captain Ardie Savea remains starting openside flanker.
Centre Anton Lienert-Brown comes in to the midfield with inside centre Quinn Tupaea, while Sevu Reece has returned to the wing after missing the second test with concussion.
Robertson has also shaken up the front row, starting Samisoni Taukei'aho at hooker and Tyrel Lomax at tighthead prop.
With Beauden Barrett ruled out with a hand injury, Damian McKenzie will start in the number 10 shirt behind scrumhalf Cortez Ratima.
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Waikato Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister will hope to debut off the bench at his home stadium.
After an unconvincing first-up win in Dunedin, the All Blacks thrashed the French 43-17 in Wellington to seal the series, giving Robertson the luxury to tweak combinations in Hamilton.
"These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night," Robertson said in a media release on Thursday.
Team:
15-Ruben Love, 14-Sevu Reece, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 12-Quinn Tupaea, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Damian McKenzie, 9-Cortez Ratima, 8-Luke Jacobson, 7-Ardie Savea (Captain), 6-Samipeni Finau, 5-Fabian Holland, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu (Vice-Captain), 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-Will Jordan REUTERS
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