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After a warmup against Japan last week, the All Blacks begin their European Tour with a Test against France in Paris. Join us for live scores from 7.00am AEDT.
Fielding a ‘weakened’ starting XV against the Brave Blossoms, the All Blacks coasted to a 54-6 win and have recalled a host of players to be virtually at full strength against the French.
In come Israel Dagg, Ma’a Nonu, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Sam Whitelock and Tony Woodcock, while skipper Richie McCaw and first-five Dan Carter will again start after making successful returns from injury last week.
To further strengthen the the side Owen Franks and Cory Jane will also come back into the side after missing last week with injury.
When the French toured New Zealand back in June the world’s number one side recorded comfortable 23-12, 30-0 and 24-9 victories over the visitors.
That said, France had come off a long domestic season, with the likes of Morgan Parra, Yannick Forestier and Wenceslas Lauret all staying at home.
They’ll come into this Test at the Stade de France significantly more optimistic this time around having the advantage of being rested, compared with the All Blacks who are nearing the end of another gruelling Super Rugby and international season.
With the home side expected to challenge the All Blacks’ scrum through the likes of Nicolas Mas, we should see a far closer contest.
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.