All Blacks Edge France in Gritty First Test, New Talent Shines
By Our Sports Correspondent | July 6, 2025
Dunedin, New Zealand – The Scott Robertson era for the All Blacks kicked off with a hard-fought victory over France in the first Test of their three-match series at Forsyth Barr Stadium today. In a match that was far tighter than many anticipated, the All Blacks secured the win, with the performance of four new caps adding an exciting dimension to the team.
The final score saw the All Blacks emerge triumphant, though France, fielding an understrength side without many of their Top 14 final players, proved to be formidable opponents, pushing the home side to their limits. The intensity and physicality that France brought to the contest were evident throughout, making for a compelling spectacle.
A key highlight for New Zealand was the debut of four promising players, signaling a fresh injection of talent into the national squad. Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland and Crusaders backrower Christian Lio-Willie earned starting berths, while Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Hurricanes backrower Du’Plessis Kirifi came off the bench to make their mark.
Head Coach Scott Robertson expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and lauded the new caps. “This is a huge moment for these men and their families,” Robertson stated. “We are all thrilled for them. For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of a Dunedin home crowd, and I am sure Fabian’s Highlanders supporters and Christian’s Otago fans will be out in full force. Ollie and Du’Plessis have both shown their class in Super Rugby this year, and we know they are ready.”
The match saw a strategic reshuffle in the All Blacks lineup, with Rieko Ioane moving to the right wing and Billy Proctor stepping into the No. 13 jersey for his third Test cap, partnering with Jordie Barrett in the midfield. The Beauden brothers, Beauden, Scott, and Jordie, all featured in the starting XV, with Beauden at flyhalf and Scott co-captaining from lock alongside debutant Holland. Will Jordan started at fullback, and Sevu Reece on the left wing.
Despite the win, the All Blacks will undoubtedly review areas for improvement as they prepare for the remainder of the series. France, despite their missing stars, demonstrated their capability to challenge the All Blacks, reminding everyone of their upset victory in the 2023 World Cup.
The series now moves to Wellington for the second Test on July 12, followed by the final match in Hamilton a week later. Rugby fans can anticipate two more intense encounters as both teams vie for series supremacy.
