Selection ideas for the ABs...

Otago Daily Times

16-07-2025

Timoci Tavatavanawai. PHOTO: NZ RUGBY The All Blacks will name their team today for the third and final test against France in Hamilton on Saturday night. Hayden Meikle outlines five changes he wants to see.
1. "Jimmy The Difference"
It is time to unleash the beast. Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai has had an emotional debut off the bench — and how lovely it was to see what the occasion meant to the popular Fijian-born utility back — and this is the ideal opportunity to see what he can do from the opening whistle. Start him at No12 next to experienced centre Anton Lienert-Brown.
2. Dual playmakers
Correct, that phrase has basically been abandoned by the All Blacks. Beauden Barrett is now very clearly the first-choice No10 again, and try-scoring freak Will Jordan our No15. But this test is a dead rubber, and an ideal opportunity to give a different combination a run. Damian McKenzie should start at first five, and Ruben Love at fullback. Plenty of attacking spark there.
3. The Canes man
Ardie Savea is captain, so it seems unlikely he will be given a rest. I would move him to No8. That creates a chance for the dynamic Du'Plessis Kirifi to earn a first test start on the openside flank. He has plenty to offer, and this would be a valuable opportunity to establish his status as Savea's best back-up on the side of the scrum.
4. No 3 No 9
The All Blacks have plenty of options at halfback, though really there is no doubt Cam Roigard is the leading man. While some will feel Cortez Ratima should start this game to form an all-Chiefs inside back combination with McKenzie, my choice would be Noah Hotham. He will be thirsting for action and this is a rare opportunity to give the third-stringer some decent time on the park.
5. Dutch delight
Eighty minutes in Dunedin — led the All Blacks in tackling. Eighty minutes in Wellington — led the All Blacks in tackling. Fabian Holland has an engine that will not quit. Keep our big lad at lock for a third test start, and put injury cover Naitoa Ah Kuoi next to him for a test debut.
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