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The All Blacks can close out a clean sweep in their series against France when the two sides meet for the third-and-final Test in New Plymouth tonight. We’ll have live scores from 5.35pm AEST.
New Zealand might have been worthy of criticism after their patchy 10-point win over the French at Eden Park in the first Test a fortnight ago, but the same certainly couldn’t be said of the All Blacks last Saturday.
The French were perhaps closer than the scoreline made it appear, but the All Blacks simply monstered their opponents in defence and when they did win the ball, they were deadly with it.
The All Blacks scored two sweeping, counter-attacking tries in the second half to go with another in the first en route to a 30-0 victory.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made a number of changes to the starting XV, with Dan Carter replacing Aaron Cruden at flyhalf the most notable.
Elsewhere Rene Ranger comes in for Julian Savea on the wing, Victor Vito earns a start in place of Liam Messam and the experienced pair of Andrew Hore and Piri Weepu also return.
The French now have the difficult task of pulling themselves together for the third Test in a series they’ve already lost, having been beaten by a total 40 points over the first two games.
French coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made eight changes to the starting XV, with Frederic Michalak (Shoulder) and Louis Picamoles (Hip) the only two forced changes.
Brice Dulin, Marc Andreu, Remi Tales, Antonie Claasen, Jean-Marc Doussain, Damien Chouly,Alexandre Flanquart and Benjamin Kayser all come into the starting side.
Wet, icy conditions are expected in New Plymouth tonight with temperatures expected to hover around five degrees during the game, expect the slippery surface to play a part.
With this Test being the last chance for the All Blacks to tune up before the Rugby Championship in August, expect another convincing performance.
Will it be another clear-cut win for the home side or can the French possibly spring an upset?
Find out from 5.35pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts in the space below.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.