Lions Tour 2025: All Blacks quartet headline first names in AUNZ XV
Crusaders captain David Havili, who missed out on selection in the All Blacks squad to face France, headlines
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1News
2 hours ago
- 1News
What to know as the All Blacks take on France in Wellington
Scott Robertson's All Blacks will take on France again tonight in the capital in the second Test match. Here's everything you need to know ahead of kick-off: All Blacks v France Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 July Where: Sky Stadium, Wellington It's fair to say last weekend's first Test was a unique one, because it's not often the All Blacks fail to rack up a predicted scoreline and the reaction being one of mostly acceptance. The main takeaway was the bravery of the French effort and the proving of the depth their domestic competition has, which was appreciated by the public and sets up an interesting return match. ADVERTISEMENT The All Blacks had three tries disallowed by the TMO last weekend, so sharpening up their finishing and making sure the attack is clicking has been the priority. Meanwhile, it's hard to get a read on the French selection but it's likely their gameplan won't deviate too much. Coach Scott Robertson (Source: Getty) Team lists All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Christian Lio‑Willie, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Will Jordan Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Samipeni Finau, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Damian McKenzie France: 1. Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Gaetan Barlot (c), 3. Georges-Henri Colombe, 4. Joshua Brennan, 5. Matthias Halagahu, 6. Pierre Bochaton, 7. Jacobus Van Tonder, 8. Esteban Abadie, 9. Nolann Le Garrec, 10. Joris Segonds, 11. Emilien Gailleton, 12. Pierre-Louis Barassi, 13. Nicolas Depoortere, 14. Theo Attissogbe, 15. Leo Barré Bench: 16. Pierre Bourgarit, 17. Paul Mallez, 18. Regis Montagne, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Cameron Woki, 21. Bastien Vergnes Taillefer, 22. Thilbault Daubagna, 23. Antoine Hastoy ADVERTISEMENT All Blacks selections Chiefs wing Emoni Narawa makes a break against the Brumbies during his team's semifinal win. (Source: Photosport) Three changes to the All Blacks and two are injury enforced, with Patrick Tuipulotu coming in for the injured Scott Barrett at lock. Caleb Clarke was originally named to replace Sevu Reece on the wing and then he got injured too, so Emoni Narawa gets a well-deserved chance. Timoci Tavatavanawai replaces Quinn Tupaea on the bench for his debut match. French selections Cameron Woki of France (Source: Getty) It's probably easier to focus on who France have left in rather than out, with the impressive Nolann Le Garrec and Joris Segonds retaining their spots in the inside backs. Emilien Gailleton and Theo Attissogbe, who were so dangerous last weekend, move to the wings and the experience on the bench is provided once against by Cameron Woki and Romain Taofifenua. Key stats ADVERTISEMENT The All Blacks only conceded three penalties and won all 20 of their lineouts last weekend. Wellington is the only NZ city France have not beaten the All Blacks in, recording victories in Dunedin (2009), Christchurch (1994) and Auckland (1979 and 1994). Beauden Barrett has 74 more Test caps than the entire French starting lineup. What they're saying "Play fast, think fast and adapt fast. We've got the skill set to do it… if the wind suddenly comes in off the Strait, we'll adapt and play to the wind in the rain as well. But our intention is to use our skills as much as we can." - All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. "It's a rotation for stimulation, competition. We brought the players to the end of the world. They have to play. We absolutely wanted to play them as quickly as possible." France coach Fabien Galthié. The last time they met ADVERTISEMENT All Blacks 31 - 27 France It's fair to say that while the margin was close, the All Blacks had done enough to win this game with about 20 minutes to go. The defensive confidence at the very end was very telling, as they pretty much dared the French to try something new on attack, knowing that they'd figured out everything else. What's going to happen A lot of kicking, that's for sure. Le Garrec and Segonds were excellent last weekend at keeping the ball in the All Blacks' half, at least for a while, and with all the changes made they won't be trying anything more adventurous than that. Meanwhile, the All Blacks' commitment to a two-option attacking set up will likely continue, with the simple movement of players in between each an attempt to force the defence to bite in and create space. The weather may well be the deciding factor in how many points are scored, though. While it hasn't been windy in Wellington, it has been wet and this will likely play a big role if it rains throughout the match,
1News
3 hours ago
- 1News
Sports bonanza in Wellington a welcome boost for hospitality sector
The sold out All Blacks and Black Ferns double header in Wellington tomorrow is the start to an action packed fortnight for the capital, with Ryan Reynold's team Wrexham also coming to town the following week. It's a welcome boost for the hospitality sector which typically has a drop in customers as the colder winter months settle in. The double-header will fill a stadium of 34,500 people, almost half coming from outside Wellington. On July 19, Welsh-based football team Wrexham AFC will meet the Wellington Phoenix, bringing another round of sport enthusiasts to the region. "People are turning up to see a performance they'll be proud of and that's our focus," said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, Sky Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said people will make their way from Wellington's CBD into town and back afterwards, which will benefit the city's hospitality sector. "[It's] a really good experience for people and that's what we're here to do." French cafe La Cloche co-owner François Febvre said he has already had a visit from some homesick French rugby players. "They were already missing some French danishes or French patisserie. "In the hospitality industry we are all looking forward to having the All Blacks coming to play in Wellington of course, it's bringing lots of people." Local pub Welsh Dragon is also prepping for big crowds to come in wanting a pint, especially with the Welsh club set to play next week. "[It's] a certain boost for winter months, it's good for the economy, restaurant bars, it's good to see all the fans coming in," said general manager Hannah Williams. ADVERTISEMENT "We've got a few Wrexham regulars that come in here so we're excited for that game as well." Meanwhile, Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said it is "really nice to package two significant sporting events" in back-to-back weekends. Plus, there's speculation Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns the Welsh football club, could make an appearance in the capital. "They've got an international following," Oldershaw added. "I know there'll be international cameras here as well."
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
Hospitality, accommodation providers welcome rugby, football fans
The All Blacks, Black Ferns and Wellington Phoenix are doing their bit to help the capital's hospitality sector during a tough winter of trading. Photo: Jack Grant/ActionPress Wellington's hospitality sector is welcoming today's sold-out Black Ferns and All Blacks double-header, in the midst of an extremely quiet winter that some say is the worst since the pandemic. Both the rugby and next weekend's Wellington Phoenix versus Wrexham AFC football fixture were "driving strong bookings across the city", said Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Steve Armitage, with the capital's venues gearing up for some of their busiest days of the season. Winter had been a "mixed bag for many" in the capital he added, and the sector was "looking forward to seeing Wellington's bars, restaurants and cafes buzzing this weekend" as major events bring people into the city. A Wellington hotelier said an uptick in bookings driven by the rugby were a "welcome change". Local Hospitality NZ branch president Manjit Singh, also the general manager of Quest on Johnston, said accomodation providers' revenue was probably down by more than 40 percent on 2023, and 55 percent down on the pre-pandemic years. "Winter has been pretty hard to be honest. There's been hardly any events. Travel in the corporate and the government sector has been very minimal, especially the government sector. "So it's been fairly slim pickings, low average occupancy, extremely low rates - an average rate in the heart of the city at the moment is about, you know, $120 to $150. "So we've been seeing lower occupancy and much lower average room rates as well." US actors and Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney, left, and Ryan Reynolds celebrate after their team won through to the English Football League after beating Boreham Wood, on 22 April, 2023. Photo: AFP This weekend was markedly different however, she said, although overall rates were still down by a third. "We're seeing strong bookings, increased room rates and that electric energy that only comes with major events. After a long time, the Quest on Johnston is full tonight and tomorrow and there has been an increase in rates. I'm hearing that from a lot of our members as well." Armitage said tonight's tests and next Saturday's football were the kind of drawcard events that Wellington needed. "[They] are a real boost for the sector and show just how important a solid events calendar is to Wellington's economic and social vibrancy. "It's always great to have something that encourages people to head out, catch up with friends, and support local." Singh agreed, but said more drawcard events were needed. "Ideally, we need to have them one after the other so we can continue to keep that momentum building." She said the rugby was good for the sector's bottom line and a much-needed morale boost for workers, with hospitality in an "existing and surviving" mode. "You need the energy of weekends like this and then we can feel that, yes, we're part of something that's greater and it's buzzing. It feels good to be a part of that." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
