All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 July
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ
Scott Barrett may be out of the second test against France in Wellington this weekend, after being forced from the field in Dunedin with an Achilles complaint. While it wasn't confirmed today, coach Scott Robertson said his captain had a scan on the injury and a media release would go out tomorrow.
If Barrett is ruled out, Ardie Savea will take over the captaincy in his hometown. Savea led the All Blacks through a tense final 20 minutes in the 31-27 win, which included one key decision-making moment and a lot of communication with referee Nic Berry.
Ardie Savea discusses a try that was later disallowed with referee Nic Berry. Photo: Peter Meecham / www.photosport.nz
Patrick Tuipulotu would likely come in to replace Barrett, however where Tupou Vaa'i ends up and whether rookie Fabian Holland is given another crack after his 80 minute debut may mean the Blues captain might end up on the bench.
Meanwhile, Robertson said the analysis of the test had been "honest".
"We did some great stuff and stuff and get better at it, so that's exciting," he said at the team's training base at NZCIS in Trentham.
"We had review clips on creation, the ability to sustain that and finish…just holding onto the ball for one more phase. There's a lot, but that's probably all I can give you. It was a good session. We're just honest with each other, that was the main thing."
Robertson was upbeat about what the All Blacks achieved in the test, pointing to some positive attacking numbers.
Will Jordan scores a try. Photo: Marty Melville / www.photosport.nz
"We broke 20 tackles and made 13 linebreaks. So that's probably a reflection of what we created ... we did so much great stuff. But we saw the things how we can improve and then finish off with, look, this is what we created. Let's get excited with finishing those opportunities, set piece was outstanding, we put a lot of work into it's the foundation."
The big question now is how the unexpectedly close result over an undermanned and unfancied French side will affect selections this weekend. Robertson was understandably cagey, however Timoci Tavatavanawai may be in line as he was the only new player not to see action on Saturday night.
"He can play, probably a few different positions ... midfield or wing. I mean, probably seven as well. And he's been great new environment. He's picked up things quickly and has a hell of an ethic."
Timoci Tavatavanawai, of the Highlanders, takes on the Chiefs' defence in their Super Rugby Pacific match in Hamilton on 19 April 2025. Photo: Jeremy Ward/Photosport
As for the other squad members, it looks like it will be coming down to what match ups feel right for Robertson.
"You consider it all, and then you, you trust your instinct. One good thing we've been proud of the period we've had the guys that have come in ... have stepped up to that level quickly. And it's a part of the environment and getting them ready.
The French kicking game was a key reason why the game was so close, with Nolann Le Garrec and Joris Segonds able to send up plenty of contestable ball. Robertson was predicting that trend to continue in what is likely to be a windy Sky Stadium environment.
"Probably with conditions we expect much the same. You just got to stop them."
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