Latest news with #NorthernTour
NZ Herald
05-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
All Blacks v France: Live updates from the first test in Dunedin
For live commentary of this weekend's All Blacks v France test, go to Newstalk ZB, GOLD SPORT or iHeartRadio. All the action as the All Blacks clash with France in Dunedin. Load more All Blacks v France line-ups All Blacks side: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 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. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan. Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Samipeni Finau, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Damian McKenzie France side: 1 Giorgi Beria, 2 Gaetan Barlot, 3 Rabah Slimani, 4 Hugo Auradou, 5 Tyler Duguid, 6 Alexandre Fischer, 7 Killian Tixeront, 8 Mickael Guillard, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 10 Joris Segonds, 11 Gabin Villière, 12 Gael Fickou (c), 13 Emilien Gailleton, 14 Tom Spring, 15. Theo Attissogbe. Reserves: 16 Pierre Bourgarit, 17 Paul Mallez, 18 Regis Montagne, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Cameron Woki, 21 Jacobus van Tonder, 22 Baptiste Jauneau, 23 Antoine Hastoy All Blacks v France - What happened last time? The last time the two sides met was during last year's Northern Tour, with France edging out a 30-29 victory. It was a performance that offered so much promise but deteriorated to a deflating defeat in Paris for the All Blacks. Returning to the scene of the 2023 World Cup final loss, the All Blacks carried momentum and confidence from victories over England and Ireland to summon a supremely dominant first half and leave France there for the taking. The All Blacks weren't helped by several perplexing decisions from Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli – and one baffling TMO decision for a neck roll from replacement prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi – but so, too, were they their own worst enemies with multiple errors proving costly. Following wins in 2023 and in 2021, France have recorded three victories in succession over the All Blacks. Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
NZ Herald
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
All Blacks team naming live updates: Scott Robertson's squad for France series opener revealed
Scott Robertson names his first All Blacks 23 of the year, to face France at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night All Blacks v France - all you need to know All Blacks v France, First test, 7.05pm, Saturday, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin All you need to know as Scott Robertson's side take on France in the first match of the 2025 season. France have won their past three tests against the All Blacks, stretching back to 2021 and are aiming for four straight over New Zealand for the first time. They haven't won on New Zealand soil against the All Blacks since 2009. All Blacks v France history Played - 64 All Blacks won - 48 France won - 15 Draws - 1 All Blacks points scored - 1663 France points scored - 898 All Blacks v France - What happened last time? The last time the two sides met was during last year's Northern Tour, with France edging out a 30-29 victory. It was a performance that offered so much promise but deteriorated to a deflating defeat in Paris for the All Blacks. The All Blacks weren't helped by several perplexing decisions from Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli – and one baffling TMO decision for a neck roll from replacement prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi – but so, too, were they their own worst enemies with multiple errors proving costly. Following wins in 2023 and in 2021, France have recorded three victories in succession over the All Blacks. All Blacks v France line-ups All Blacks side: Advertise with NZME. Announced today France side: Announced today All Blacks v France form guide (last five tests) All Blacks: W, L, W, W, W France: W, W, W, L, W The All Blacks have won six of their last seven with the only defeat against the French in Paris. France are the reigning Six Nations champions with their one loss coming against England at Twickenham. Advertisement Advertise with NZME. All Blacks v France referee Nic Berry of Australia is in charge of the first test at Dunedin. All Blacks v France TAB odds All Blacks: $1.07 Draw: $31 France: $7.50 All Blacks v France - how to follow the action For live commentary of All Blacks v France, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Plus James McOnie & Mike Lane of The Alternative Commentary Collective will be providing commentary on their iHeartRadio stream. You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and it will be livestreaming on Sky Sport Now.
NZ Herald
02-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
All Blacks v France first test Dunedin: Line-ups, kickoff times, how to watch – all you need to know
Played - 64 All Blacks won - 48 France won - 15 Draws - 1 All Blacks points scored - 1663 France points scored - 898 All Blacks v France - What happened last time? The last time the two sides met was during last year's Northern Tour, with France edging out a 30-29 victory. It was a performance that offered so much promise but deteriorated to a deflating defeat in Paris for the All Blacks. Returning to the scene of the 2023 World Cup final loss, the All Blacks carried momentum and confidence from victories over England and Ireland to summon a supremely dominant first half and leave France there for the taking. The All Blacks weren't helped by several perplexing decisions from Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli – and one baffling TMO decision for a neck roll from replacement prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi – but so, too, were they their own worst enemies with multiple errors proving costly. Following wins in 2023 and in 2021, France have recorded three victories in succession over the All Blacks. Read full report All Blacks v France line-ups All Blacks side: TBC France side: TBC All Blacks v France form guide (last five tests) All Blacks: W, L, W, W, W France: W, W, W, L, W The All Blacks have won six of their last seven with the only defeat against the French in Paris. France are the reigning Six Nations champions with their one loss coming against England at Twickenham. All Blacks v France referee Nic Berry of Australia is in charge of the first test at Dunedin. All Blacks v France TAB odds All Blacks: $1.07 Draw: $31 Italy: $7.50 All Blacks v France - how to follow the action For live commentary of All Blacks v France, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Plus James McOnie & Mike Lane of The Alternative Commentary Collective will be providing commentary on their iHeartRadio stream. You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and it will be livestreaming on Sky Sport Now. You can also find live updates at
Otago Daily Times
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
All Blacks squad named
Fabian Holland and Timoci Tavatavanawai will be joining Ethan de Groot in the All Blacks. The Highlanders might have finished bottom of Super Rugby Pacific but they have tripled their representation in the national squad. Incumbent prop de Groot, rising Otago lock Holland and midfield revelation Tavatavanawai have been named in the All Blacks squad for the three-test series against France. Holland's unlikely fairytale has come true. It is reward for both his potential — he is still just 22 — and his consistently excellent performances for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific this season. It also caps what will forever be one of the more interesting journeys to the All Blacks. The story has been well told how Holland, who grew up idolising New Zealand rugby players, left his native Netherlands at the age of 16 to go to school in Christchurch. He then moved to Dunedin, where his rise with Otago and the Highlanders was so rapid it always seemed a matter of when, not if, he would represent his adopted land. Holland, on form, would arguably walk straight in the All Blacks' starting XV and have a chance of making his test debut on home turf at Forsyth Barr Stadium. He will, however, have to contend with captain Scott Barrett, Chiefs talisman Tupou Vaa'i and Blues veteran Patrick Tuipolotu for a place in the match-day squad for the first test against France on July 5. Highlanders fans will also be delighted to see Tavatavanawai named by coach Scott Robertson in his All Blacks squad of 35. The blockbusting Fijian-born back had a remarkable season in the South after being elevated to the co-captaincy and switched from wing to second five. His physicality, explosiveness and freakish ability to gain turnovers make him an X-factor package, and it will intriguing to see how that translates to the test arena. Tavatavanawai, 27, who joined the Highlanders from Moana Pasifika in 2014, and represents Tasman in the NPC, will jostle with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea for the second five role in the All Blacks, though he could also be considered in his original spot on the wing. The other new caps named in the All Blacks at Taranaki's Coastal Rugby Club today were Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister and Chiefs prop Ollie Norris. Otago loose forward Christian Lio-Willie, who plays his Super Rugby for the Crusaders, was named as injury cover for Luke Jacobson, for the start of the series against France. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he and his fellow selectors had balanced continuity and opportunity. "Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year. We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific," Robertson said. Scott Barrett returns as All Blacks captain, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett as his vice-captains. "Scott's leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie. They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success." "For the five uncapped players - Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du'Plessis and Timoci - this is a particularly special day. These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad. We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks," Robertson said. The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured for the All Blacks since 2023 and 2022 respectively. "These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year. We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad." The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on June 25 to begin preparations for the first Test against France on July 5. All Blacks squad Hookers: Codie Taylor (34 years old, Crusaders / Canterbury, 96 caps) Samisoni Taukei'aho (27, Chiefs / Waikato, 30) Brodie McAlister (28, Chiefs / Canterbury, *) Props: Ethan de Groot (26, Highlanders / Southland, 29) Tamaiti Williams (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 18) Ollie Norris (25, Chiefs / Waikato, *) Tyrel Lomax (29, Hurricanes / Tasman, 44) Fletcher Newell (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 22) Pasilio Tosi (26, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, 7) Locks: Scott Barrett (31, Crusaders / Taranaki, 80) (Captain) Patrick Tuipulotu (32, Blues / Auckland, 51) Tupou Vaa'i (25, Chiefs / Taranaki, 38) Fabian Holland (22, Highlanders / Otago, *) Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 8) Ardie Savea (31, Moana Pasifika / Wellington, 94) (Vice-Captain) Du'Plessis Kirifi (28, Hurricanes / Wellington, *) Wallace Sititi (22, Chiefs / North Harbour, 10) Luke Jacobson (28, Chiefs / Waikato, 24) Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard (24, Hurricanes / Counties Manukau, 10) Cortez Ratima (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 11) Noah Hotham (22, Crusaders / Tasman, 1) First-five eighths: Beauden Barrett (34, Blues / Taranaki, 134) Damian McKenzie (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 61) Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 84) Jordie Barrett (28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 68) (Vice-Captain) Rieko Ioane (28, Blues / Auckland, 81) Quinn Tupaea (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 14) Billy Proctor (26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 2) Timoci Tavatavanawai (27, Highlanders / Tasman, *) Outside backs: Caleb Clarke (26, Blues / Auckland, 29) Sevu Reece (28, Crusaders / Southland, 32) Will Jordan (27, Crusaders / Tasman, 41) Ruben Love (24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 1) Injury cover: Christian Lio Willie for Luke Jacobson Emoni Narawa for Anton Lienert-Brown Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta. - Additional reporting RNZ
RNZ News
04-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rare All Blacks jersey to be auctioned
All Black Cam Roigard celebrates after scoring a try with All Blacks Peter Lakai, Beauden Barrett and Wallace Sititi during All Blacks v France Northern Tour match on 16 November. Photo: Supplied / Bob Martin The sale of a rare All Blacks jersey will help New Zealand's living war veterans, the president of the Returned and Services' Association (RSA) says. When the All Blacks played France last November, they honoured veterans by wearing an RSA poppy embroidered onto their jersey as part of the Remembrance Test - to honour those New Zealanders who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country. One of the tops - a white version of the national jersey to differentiate from France's dark blue - was gifted to the RSA. It is now up for auction. National president and former All Black Sir Wayne Shelford said it was "heartwarming" to receive the jersey, which was signed by the 2024 squad and coach Scott Robertson. "It's a great honour... to be given one of those jerseys to auction off. The All Blacks themselves realise that by wearing the poppy they're helping our veterans out, which is awesome. "Pulling on the black jersey is incredibly emotional for any player, but having that mark of respect for veterans embroidered on the sleeve takes it to another level. The poppy is worn to honour the fallen, but this gift from the All Blacks will now allow us to provide more support to our living veterans." He said there were probably between 13,000 to 16,000 living veterans who had taken part in wars since World War II. Many had ongoing issues they needed support with, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or just simply getting older, he added. Shelford called the jersey a "true collector's item" as the jerseys were only made for the test played against France on. No supporters jerseys were produced or made available for sale. The jersey was on Trade Me, and the auction would close at 7.45pm on Wednesday, 7 May. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
