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RNZ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
All Blacks sweep France: What we learned
Analysis - The All Blacks have cleared their first hurdle of the season, sweeping France in three tests . But how much can be taken out a series that didn't feature any the top French players? A bit, considering how many new test players we have and that we now know how deep the French talent pool runs. We also now have an unusually long break till the All Blacks are back in action, with The Rugby Championship almost a month away. There's plenty to talk about between now and then, though: All Blacks v France at Sky Stadium, Wellington. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / Not only did the All Blacks win, but this was a pretty big victory for rugby in general considering how poor this French team had been made out to be. All three tests were sold out, including the problematic Wellington market, with a World Cup-sized media contingent in attendance as well. While there are some legitimate conversations to be had about attendance and coverage at other levels of the game, this once again proved how big a deal the All Blacks are compared to everything else. Fabian Holland. Photo: Kerry Marshall / It was no surprise at all that Fabian Holland was selected as soon as he became eligible, but it's been surprisingly impressive just how ready he's been to rip into his work. The 2.04m lock started all three tests and… something that's very rare for an inexperienced tight forward in the professional era. Even Samuel Whitelock and Brodie Retallick can't claim that feat, and with Retallick the most common comparison for Holland, it appears the young Dutchman has a massive future ahead of him. Cam Roigard. Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport Cam Roigard's importance to the Scott Robertson era hasn't been highlighted more than when he hasn't been on the field, with the kicking and defensive game he possesses obviously missing in the third test. This is somewhat of a heartwarming return to the days of when Aaron Smith's name was the first to go on the team sheet. Beauden Barrett. Photo: Kerry Marshall / What was shaping up to be a season-long debate was somewhat settled with a couple of very assured performances by the 136-test veteran Barrett in the first two tests. A flawless goal kicking record was crucial in Dunedin, then a masterful pulling of the strings in Wellington led the All Blacks out to an insurmountable 29-3 halftime lead. It was notable that the All Black attack pattern switched up considerably in between the first two tests. Once the ball had been successfully moved into the French 22 in Dunedin, they employed a split set of forwards to give Roigard plenty of options and often moved a big body in between each line to confuse the defence. In Wellington it was more of a grouping around the ruck using both wingers as extra ball runners, giving plenty of options for offloading. However, in Hamilton they didn't really do anything that worked for the first hour, relying on three big bits of luck to score tries. They still won though, which shows that they can problem-solve on the fly. This series was the one that Scott Robertson was probably hoping he'd had this time last year, instead of a full strength and in form England that pushed the All Blacks right to the wire. While the first test certainly went that way, there was still enough breathing room to change things up both in gameplay and selections in the remaining test matches. With a tough trip to Argentina coming up, there's not any room to experiment further, so it was a well taken opportunity. Will Jordan of New Zealand celebrates a try. Photo: Masanori Udagawa The tight forwards take care of themselves, there's plenty of loose forward talent, inside back cover and midfielders. That just leaves the outside backs with a question mark over them, which is a unit the All Blacks should never have any doubt over. One thing is for sure: Will Jordan starts. So with Caleb Clarke out , it's really open season on who joins Jordan in the two remaining spots. The obvious goal for Robertson now is to offset the inevitable attrition rate of a test season by stocking several options in each position that can effectively be interchangeable. There are exceptions - Ardie Savea and Jordan are one of a kind - but Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu stand as the shining examples of being able to deal with key injuries and subsequent reshuffles. Last year losing Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i in consecutive weeks would've been a crisis, this time it was simply entrusting the starting locking jerseys to the next men available.
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Scott Robertson's All Blacks: The promising signs from series win
Banishing the second-half blues Down 19-17 at halftime, the All Blacks saved their best for the last 40 minutes. The confidence in the team grew as the game went on. Even captain Ardie Savea was slightly out of sorts in the first quarter, but by the end of the match he was providing the sort of inspirational leadership he did for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific. And if you wanted a perfect example of how confidence can grow even in the cauldron of a test, it was provided by hooker Brodie McAlister in his international debut. His first three throws to the lineout were stolen by the French. But he and the jumpers settled, the combinations started working and in the 76th minute, McAlister had the dream moment for a new All Black. The hooker slid across the damp grass for a try in his first test, pushing his side out to an unbeatable 27-19 lead. Damian McKenzie converted to seal the match. No, it's not the All (Red And) Blacks If anything, Robertson and his selectors were tough on Crusaders during this series. Crusaders captain David Havili missed out in a crowded midfield selection and Ethan Blackadder, the pick of the loose forwards from both teams when the Crusaders beat the Chiefs in the Super final, will hopefully get the shot he deserves before the year is out. Star of the series Step up Fabian Holland, the 22-year-old lock who showed in three stellar performances that he has the mental hardness to go with his range of huge physical gifts and impressive skills. At their best, All Blacks World Cup teams have had outstanding locks ranging from Gary Whetton and Murray Pierce in 1987 to Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock in 2011 and Whitelock and Brodie Retallick in 2015. At the risk of putting far too much pressure on a young man at the start of his international career, Holland is surely a player around whom they can build the pack for the 2027 World Cup. Fabian Holland has been impressive for the All Blacks in the series against France. Photo / Photosport Welcome back Jordie Barrett didn't enter the contest in Hamilton until the 54th minute, but his impact at second five-eighths was dramatic. It's not completely out of the question to say he possibly saved the match with terrific cover defence, and then sealed it with a startling moment on attack. First, with just 22 minutes to go, he managed to haul the quicksilver French wing Émilien Gailleton over the sideline and save a try that would have put the visitors ahead 24-22. That touch of defensive brilliance was matched offensively when Barrett sent McAlister over for the try that sealed things for New Zealand. It can be easy to forget how big and strong Barrett is. Before slipping the perfect pass to McAllister, he fended off the 135kg French lock, Romain Taofifénua, with the ease of someone swatting away a pesky fly at a picnic. The All Blacks have Quinn Tupaea offering huge physicality, the promise demonstrated by Timoci Tavatavanawai and, in the background, the great rugby intelligence of David Havili. If there's one position in the side that suddenly feels well resourced it's second five-eighths. Why the ref was right A minor controversy has arisen over the massive cross-field pass by Will Jordan to Sevu Reece that ultimately led to the try on the stroke of halftime by Anton Leinert-Brown. Replays show that where Reece received the ball he was well in front of where Jordan was when he threw the pass. Quite correctly the pass was not called forward by referee Angus Gardiner. Why? Because for several years now the key issue in the rules is whether the ball was travelling backwards when it left the passer's hands. That judgment is usually made by checking whether the passer's fingers are pointing towards his or her own goal-line. Both of Jordan's hands are pointing at the New Zealand line. Conspiracy corner Given that conspiracy theories are dominating world political headlines it was perhaps inevitable that rugby in the past couple of weeks has had its share. French coach Fabien Galthié didn't hold back with the French media after the second test was lost in Wellington. He claimed incorrect refereeing cost the French two penalty tries. The weird touch was that he then swore he was actually 'not complaining', and I think he probably meant it. For me it was a wonderful reminder that the French, in rugby and life, look at the world very differently from us. I still have memories of the salacious delight my schoolmates and I took from a story in the Herald by the great Terry McLean when the French first toured here in 1961. In Nelson, at the first training session a forward needed to relieve himself. He didn't seek out the privacy of a toilet, McLean reported, but instead strolled to the nearest goal post and peed on it. Vive la difference, as they say. France head coach Fabien Galthié said he was "not complaining" about the referees. Photo / Photosport No complaints On the other hand there can be no real complaints from the New Zealand under-20 side about their 23-15 loss to South Africa in the final of the world tournament in Italy. It was still a terrific effort by the Kiwi side to make the final, having to overcome a potent French side 26-24 in their semifinal. It was the first time since 2017 New Zealand had reached the final. France in particular have benefitted at test level from under-20 graduates. Hopefully we may soon do the same. Phil Gifford is a Contributing Sports Writer for NZME. He is one of the most-respected voices in New Zealand sports journalism.
Scoop
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scoop
All Blacks v France: What you need to know
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 19 July FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Live blog updates on RNZ The series has been decided but there's still plenty to play for in Hamilton tonight, as the All Blacks and France roll out much-changed teams from last weekend's match in Wellington. Scott Robertson's side prevailed comfortably 43-17 after leading 29-3 at halftime, but little can be read into it given the lineups we see in front of us tonight. French coach Fabien Galthié has been vocal during the week around the refereeing, will that play a part in a game that is attracting a capacity crowd to FMG Stadium Waikato - the first time the All Blacks and France have played a test here. Team lists All Blacks: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (vc), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Luke Jacobson, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Sevu Reece, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Ruben Love Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Dalton Papali'i, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Noah Hotham, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Jordie Barrett France: 1. Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Pierre Bourgarit, 3. Rabah Slimani, 4. Hugo Auradou, 5. Matthias Halagahu, 6. Alexandre Fischer, 7. Joshua Brennan, 8. Mickaël Guillard, 9. Nolann Le Garrec, 10. Antoine Hastoy, 11. Gabin Villière, 12. Gaël Fickou (c), 13. Nicolas Depoortère, 14. Théo Attissogbé, 15. Léo Barré Bench: 16. Gaëtan Barlot, 17. Paul Mallez, 18. Demba Bamba, 19. Romain Taofifénua, 20. Killian Tixeront, 21. Pierre Bochaton, 22. Thibault Daubagna, 23. Émilien Gailleton All Black selections Locals are calling this side the Mana Blacks or All Chiefs, given the local prominence in selection. No fewer than seven Chiefs players are in the starting team, but while it's tempting to think it's a geographic call, all the picks actually make sense no matter where the team would be playing tonight. Samisoni Taukei'aho comes in because Codie Taylor needs a rest, Luke Jacobson is there because of Tupou Vaa'i's injury and subsequent loose forward reshuffle, the inside backs have been rotated and the midfield pairing are both deserving of starts. French selections While the names may not be overly familiar, this is a very strong French side and their most experienced with 350 test caps between them. Skipper Gaël Fickou anchors an exciting backline, with the strike weapons of Gabin Villière, Théo Attissogbé and Léo Barré all very impressive so far on the tour. In the pack, Mickaël Guillard looks like an absolute superstar already, while monstrous lock Matthias Halagahu adds his presence to a big tight five. Once again, the team will be guided around the park by influential halfback Nolann Le Garrec, who is paired with Antione Hastoy at first five. Key stats All Black lock Fabian Holland has played the entirety of his first two tests, with a tackle count of 31 and a missed tackle count of 0. The last time France toured New Zealand it ended with an All Black clean sweep, with the third test in the 2018 series being a 49-14 result in Dunedin. Will Jordan currently needs nine more tries to break Doug Howlett's all time All Black record of 49. What they're saying "It was a consideration that they know their way around the park down the road here pretty well. Play a lot of footy together, which always helps. They get to run out in front of their people." - Scott Robertson on his selections from the Chiefs. "Clearly, we need the scrums and mauls to be refereed properly. We need to be officiated as if we were playing on neutral ground- (he repeats) neutral ground. I'm not usually one to talk much about refereeing, but when I have expectations, I express them." French coach Fabien Galthié. The last time they met All Blacks 43 - 17 France The All Blacks did what they do best in Wellington, hammering a big scoreline on the visitors early and allowing themselves plenty of time to shift gears later in the game. Tries were very slick, especially Tupou Vaa'i's effort in the first half, which came off some fantastic offloads. What's going to happen While the team is different, once again the All Blacks will look to turn the game into a track meet as fast as they can. They've shown a couple of different attacking shapes so far in the series, so it's likely they'll combine the two to confuse the French defence. On the other hand, the French kicking game will be crucial to their chances, although the All Blacks showed last weekend that they are more than happy for contestable ball to hit the deck and become counterattack opportunities.
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Tougher challenge ahead for All Blacks
Work in progress Thoughts on the All Blacks through the first two tests of the season? Look for a mid-season report (maybe) in the Otago Daily Times in the next few days — and email me your thoughts if you fancy making that job easier. For now, I suppose I would say: yeah, it's going OK. Some new men have been blooded — and while Highlanders lock Fabian Holland is the biggest (literally — the kid is just massive) success story, Christian Lio-Willie has also been solid at No 8, Timoci Tavatavanawai has had a wee taste and will only get better, Du'Plessis Kirifi has done well, and Ollie Norris . . . well, he's a prop, so nobody really knows. Both tests against France have been won, which is of paramount importance. Beauden Barrett has reclaimed his status as the leading No 10 in the country. And there have been enough signs of the Razor Way — that the All Blacks do actually have some freshness and mojo about them — to keep the critics silent. Bank this 3-0 test series sweep then get ready for the stiffer challenge of the Rugby Championship. The foreign legion The Last Word is split about 80-20 on the negative side of having overseas players in the NPC. It is fair to acknowledge the benefit of having a few classy internationals in the competition, whether that be for public interest or mentoring young local players. And, in Otago's case, there are sound reasons to accept they are thin in a couple of areas and could use some bolstering, especially as they have been so darn poor in recent years. Joseva Tamani, in particular, looks a good get, and who doesn't enjoy watching a giant Fijian lock rampaging around the field? But. This is the modern NPC. It is effectively a developmental competition now. A vital part of the New Zealand rugby pathway, yes. A lot of fun as it tends to be a lot looser than Super Rugby, yes. But it should be solely about the best club players and locally based Super Rugby representatives running around in their provincial colours. International players explicitly block opportunities for local players, and if all the unions scaled back their expectations of this competition, it would not be a bad thing. Where are they now? Best wishes to the Baby Blacks tomorrow morning as they attempt to win the world under-20 championship for the first time since 2017. This looks a very good bunch of lads indeed, headlined by future Otago and Highlanders star Dylan Pledger at halfback. New Zealand used to win the world junior title for fun, so eight years represents a heck of a drought. That 2017 team was perhaps not as stacked as some from years past but it still had some very nice players. Captain Luke Jacobson, Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke and Dalton Papali'i are current All Blacks, Asafo Aumua would be if he was fit, and Brayden Ennor and Stephen Perofeta have worn the black jersey. Highlanders backs Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Jona Nareki, Blues flanker Adrian Choat, Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, Crusaders tackling machine Tom Christie and former Highlanders Josh McKay, Sam Caird, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Kemara Hauiti-Parapara were in the squad. The 2017 Baby Blacks scored a record 41 tries at the tournament and smashed England 64-17 in the final with an Aumua hat-trick. Test cricket ... Sheesh, where to start? England and India got the ball rolling this week with a third-test cracker at Lord's. Both scored 387 in the first innings, England managed 192 in their second, and India collapsed to 82 for seven. Then came the gritty fightback — Ravindra Jadeja grafted 181 balls for his unbeaten 61, and the bottom three batters faced 53, 54 and 30 balls respectively — before the end came when Mohammed Siraj middled his defensive prod perfectly but, agonisingly, saw the ball spin back on to his stumps. Meanwhile, the West Indies collapsed to 14 for six in the third test against Australia in Kingston, and pretty much every New Zealand cricket fan was screaming "26! 26! 26!". Sadly, despite getting to 26 for six then watching Scott Boland take a hat-trick, the Windies managed one more run before folding, thus preserving New Zealand's unwanted record. ... is bonkers Perhaps the real entertainment in the week of test cricket was a stunning opinion piece in the B-Metro Sport newspaper in Zimbabwe. Under the heading NATIONAL DISGRACE: SCHOOLBOYS MOLEST CHEVRONS AT QUEENS, "Guest Writer" — not sure I would have been brave enough to use my real name either — unloaded on the Zimbabwean team for their capitulation against South Africa. Losing two tests to "effectively a South African schoolboy side" was "a humiliation of catastrophic proportions". It was not a cricket contest but a "massacre. It was children robbing a broken store. It was a heart-crushing, hypertension-inducing and mind-numbing hell for fans." The Zimbabwe bowlers "couldn't even crack open a South African tail that looked barely old enough to vote." Brilliant. Hoop dreams Exciting times for Mojave King and Jack Andrew following their Tall Blacks selections. We have had a close watch on Mojave, son of Nuggets great Leonard, since he emerged, and he has an incredibly bright future. While big Jack went to "the other school" in Oamaru, his is a lovely story of hard work and persistence, and his career is blooming. Make it stop Did not watch the SBW v Gallen fight. Will quite happily never hear from either of them again.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Third straight start for Holland
Highlander Fabian Holland has earned his third start for the All Blacks' final test against France alongside Ethan de Groot, while Timoci Tavatavanawai has again been named on the bench. Seven players in the 23 have been named for the first time this season, and one player is set to debut on Saturday in Hamilton when the New Zealanders aim to close out the Lipovitan-D July Series with a third win. Hooker Brodie McAlister will become the sixth debutant if he comes off the bench to replace starting hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho. Prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forward Luke Jacobson and backs Anton Lienert-Brown and Sevu Reece have returned from injury to take a spot in the starting line-up, while Ruben Love will earn his second All Blacks cap playing at fullback. In the reserves, prop George Bower, loose forward Dalton Papali'i and halfback Noah Hotham will all pull on the black jersey for the first time in 2025. In a statement, head coach Scott Robertson said there was a healthy edge in the camp this week, knowing the French will throw everything at this final game of the series. 'There is high motivation and focus to perform in Hamilton this week. We are prepared for a determined and spirited French side, and excited to play in front of a passionate sold-out crowd. 'We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury and, with 185 caps between them, we know that they will be ready to perform at the highest level. "It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap. These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night.' All Blacks v FranceFMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton Saturday, 7.05pm Team All Blacks: (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant) 1. Ethan de Groot (31), 2. Samisoni Taukei'aho (32), 3. Tyrel Lomax (44), 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (54) (Vice-Captain), 5. Fabian Holland (2), 6. Samipeni Finau (10), 7. Ardie Savea (96) (Captain), 8. Luke Jacobson (24), 9. Cortez Ratima (13), 10. Damian McKenzie (63), 11. Rieko Ioane (83), 12. Quinn Tupaea (15), 13. Anton Lienert-Brown (84), 14. Sevu Reece (33), 15. Ruben Love (1) Reserves: 16. Brodie McAlister *, 17. George Bower (22), 18. Fletcher Newell (25), 19. Dalton Papali'i (36), 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi (2), 21. Noah Hotham (1) 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (1) 23. Will Jordan (43) Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams (knee); Wallace Sititi (ankle); Scott Barrett (calf); Caleb Clarke (ankle); Tupou Vaa'i (concussion); Beauden Barrett (hand) - APL
