Fijian player Sevu Reece is set to make his return to the All Blacks for a crucial match against France in Paris tomorrow morning. He steps in to replace the injured Mark Tele’a on the right wing.
Head coach Scott Robertson has decided to name Beauden Barrett as the starting fly-half, opting for him over Damian McKenzie. Barrett, a veteran player and two-time World Rugby player of the year, missed the previous week’s match against Ireland due to a head injury incurred during the game against England on November 2. His return comes amidst five changes to the squad for this match.
Other fresh faces in the lineup include scrum-half Cam Roigard, flanker Samipeni Finau, and hooker Codie Taylor, as New Zealand aims to secure their first win over France since 2018. Additionally, experienced lock Patrick Tuipulotu will make his 50th appearance from the bench, marking a significant milestone in his decade-long Test career.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:10 am Fiji Time.
New Zealand’s starting lineup consists of Will Jordan; Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, and Tamaiti Williams. The substitutes include Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Damian McKenzie.
This match presents a valuable opportunity for the All Blacks to not only recover from their previous encounters but also to showcase their depth and skill as they face a formidable opponent in France. Fans will be eager to watch how the restructured lineup performs against one of the top teams in international rugby.
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