Robertson wants All Blacks to back their skills in second France test

CNA

10-07-2025

WELLINGTON :Scott Robertson said he wants the All Blacks to continue to back their skills in the second test against France this weekend after making two enforced changes to his starting side for the Wellington clash.
The experienced Patrick Tuipulotu has been named in the second row in place of captain Scott Barrett, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series by a calf tear, and Caleb Clarke comes into the side for Sevu Reece.
Winger Reece was concussed when the All Blacks edged a weakened France team 31-27 in Dunedin last weekend to live up to their reputation as slow starters to the international season.
Even though a wet and windy day is forecast for Saturday, Robertson said he wanted the All Blacks to continue to try to create all over the pitch at Wellington Regional Stadium.
"You play fast, you think fast, you adapt fast, and we've got the skill set to do it," he told reporters on Thursday.
"So we'll keep creating and if the southerly comes in off the Cook Strait, we'll adapt and play into the wind and the rain as well. But our intention is to use our skills as much as we can."
Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to skipper the team in his home city and is likely to retain the role for next week's final test in Hamilton.
The French are missing most of their regular starters but Robertson said the All Blacks had definitely not underestimated them, even if the media had.
"They're very, very consistent, and I think the narrative's changed a little bit around what team they brought," he said.
"They've brought a team that has quality enough on the day, so it's test match football on the weekend."
The other change to Robertson's matchday squad was on the bench, where Fiji-born centre Timoci Tavatavanawai gets a chance to win his first cap in place of Quinn Tupaea.
The 27-year-old earned his chance with a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific campaign in which he was a constant threat to the opposition with power, pace and a strong presence over the ball at the breakdown.
"He's pretty much like another number seven over that ball," said loose forward Tupou Vaa'i.
"He is such a good ball carrier, he's obviously a leader as well. He doesn't say much but he leads with his actions and it's awesome to see him get his opportunity.
"It's always good to have him on your team because you don't have to tackle him."
Team: 15–Will Jordan, 14–Rieko Ioane, 13–Billy Proctor, 12–Jordie Barrett, 11–Caleb Clarke, 10–Beauden Barrett, 9–Cam Roigard, 8–Christian Lio-Willie, 7–Ardie Savea, 6–Tupou Vaa'i, 5–Fabian Holland, 4–Patrick Tuipulotu, 3–Fletcher Newell, 2–Codie Taylor, 1–Ethan de Groot