The All Blacks and a Potential Weakened French Side
The All Blacks are set to face a weakened French team in the opening round of the Nations Championship in July. This situation mirrors what happened a year ago when France traveled to New Zealand with an understrength squad, leading to controversy around the three-Test series.
Fabien Galthie, the head coach of France, may have no choice but to field a much-changed 23-player squad for this upcoming match. The game will take place just a week after the Top 14 final, which means that Galthie cannot select any players from the clubs involved in that competition.
Despite changes in policy that allow the head coach to pick any players he wants for the mid-year Tests, this rule only applies to the latter two matches against the Wallabies and Japan. As a result, Dave Rennie, the new head coach of the All Blacks, might have a more relaxed start to his tenure, even if a third-string French side gave Scott Robertson’s team some challenges in 2025.
NZ Rugby’s Disappointment
Rennie might be pleased with this scenario, but NZ Rugby could be less than thrilled. Reports indicate that they were “livid” by the approach of the French team ahead of last year’s series. The All Blacks legend Justin Marshall also criticized the French for bringing over a weakened squad, calling it “disrespectful.”
Marshall expressed his disappointment on The Breakdown ahead of the 2025 mid-year Tests. He highlighted that the French team was underpowered, with an average age of 25 and an average number of caps of 9.3. He pointed out that 49% of the players had no caps at all, making it more of a development team than a competitive side.
He emphasized that the French approach to international rugby is disrespectful, as they often come up with excuses to avoid sending their top players. Marshall argued that the All Blacks do not treat their fans this way, as they send their best players to fill stadiums and provide the best experience for fans.
A Record-Breaking Ticket Sale
Despite the concerns, there is optimism about the upcoming match. NZ Rugby is happier this time around, as ticket sales for the clash in Christchurch have been impressive, selling out in just four hours. They hope the game will live up to the occasion and that France can put their best available team on the field.
The All Blacks could still face key players like Antoine Dupont if Toulouse exits the Top 14 play-offs early. However, given their current position at the top of the league by eight points, they are considered favorites to reach the final.
Galthie may follow a similar strategy to last season, as France has never placed much emphasis on the July internationals. According to Midi Olympique, nothing is set in stone, but the head coach and his backroom team are proceeding cautiously, depending on the players’ workload and fitness levels.
Preparations for the Nations Championship
This season has more at stake due to the creation of the Nations Championship, but that may not be enough to convince Galthie to change his approach. France’s ‘A’ side will face England in Vannes on June 19 before the squad travels to New Zealand on June 23, after the Top 14 finalists have been decided.
The upcoming matches will serve as crucial preparation for the Nations Championship, with the focus on building a strong team for the international stage. While the French may not be sending their strongest side, the All Blacks will need to be ready for any challenge that comes their way.
