Razor makes big call at No. 10 for Test against France

Scott Robertson named his team to play France in the penultimate test of his opening season in charge of the All Blacks, opting for Beauden Barrett to wear the No 10 jersey as Damian McKenzie – who impressed against Ireland last week – moves to the bench.

Veteran hooker Codie Taylor also returns from injury, meaning Asafo Aumua – another top performer in Dublin – drops to the bench.

The other major selection change for the test in Paris has Samipeni Finau replacing Sam Cane. The veteran openside flanker is out with concussion concerns following the Irish test. Finau will run at blindside flanker, with Wallace Sititi dropping into his preferred No 8 role and vice-captain Ardie Savea moving to the openside.

On the wing, Sevu Reece returns to the starting line-up for Mark Tele’a, who has a hand injury, while Cam Roigard gets the nod ahead of Cortez Ratima at halfback.

“Cam’s been impressive hasn’t he? He’s taken his opportunities and we believe this is the match for him just with game management, the kicking. There will be a fair bit of kicking if the match goes to plan for both teams. And Beauden comes back in after playing extremely well against England and he’s cleared after his head knock,” Robertson said.

Savea hasn’t started at openside for the All Blacks in three years, but Robertson pointed out he was in the 7 jersey for Kobe in the Japan domestic league and has finished recent tests there.

“He’s a few games in, he’s experienced. He’ll get straight into it and obviously, Wallace into 8, his preferred position. It’s a good little combo with Samipeni. Circumstances have led to this. Something we’ve looked at for this year and now is the time,” Robertson added.

Robertson said playing for the Dave Gallaher Trophy provided plenty of inspiration for the team.

“It has been special to be here in Paris during Armistice Day. We have honoured those commemorations as a team and also acknowledged the significance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named after one of our greatest All Black captains who led the Originals in the first-ever test match against France and lost his life 11 years later in World War I. This is a trophy we would love to hold and the players are prepared to take their opportunity in Paris this Saturday night.”

Other players unavailable due to injury were Sam Darry (knee), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring).

All Blacks: 1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Ardie Savea (v-c), 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett (v-c), 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan

Replacements: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie

France team to play All Blacks
Matthieu Jalibert reportedly told French coach Fabien Galthié not to pick him on the bench after missing out on a starting spot to face the All Blacks.

Thomas Ramos will start at first five-eighths from his usual position at 15, alongside halfback Antoine Dupont. Jalibert was on the bench against Japan and according to reports, didn’t want to face the All Blacks from the bench.

“Everyone has their own emotions and is free to share them,” Galthié said. “We need determination, strong players. Up until now he’s always given his best. He will continue with the national team if he so chooses. It’s down to him to decide.”

Bordeaux’s Romain Buros will make his debut at fullback as part of four changes to the side that defeated Japan last weekend. Gabin Villiere comes in on the wing, Gael Fickou returns to the squad at 13 with Paul Boudehent inserted to the loosehead flank.

Galthie named a 6-2 split on the bench.

France: 1. Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2. Peato Mauvaka, 3. Tevita Tatafu, 4. Thibaud Flament, 5. Emmanuel Meafou, 6. Paul Boudehent, 7. Alexandre Roumat, 8. Gregory Aldritt, 9. Antoine Dupont, 10. Thomas Ramos, 11. Louis Bielle-Biarrey,12. Yoram Moefana, 13. Gael Fickou, 14. Gabin Villiere, 15. Romain Buros

Replacements: 16. Julien Marchand, 17. Reda Wardi, 18. Georges-Henri Colombe, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Mickael Guillard, 21. Charles Ollivon, 22. Nolann le Garrec, 23. Emilen Gailleton

This article was first published on nzherald.co.nz and is republished here with permission