All Blacks ring major changes for first rugby Test against France

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has included four uncapped players in New Zealand's matchday 23 for the opening Test against France on Saturday in Dunedin.

Lock Fabian Holland and No.8 Christian Lio-Willie have been named in the starting lineup, while prop Ollie Norris and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi are set to make their debuts off the bench.

Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Wallace Sititi, and Luke Jacobson have been ruled out due to injury.


Beauden Barrett has been selected to start at fly-half, getting the nod over Damian McKenzie, while Rieko Ioane, typically playing in the centres for the Auckland Blues, will feature on the wing.


"This is a huge moment for these men and their families," Robertson said.

"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."


New Zealand (15-1):

Will Jordan; Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt); Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.