Scott Robertson names his starting team for 1st Test against France in Dunedin

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has today named his first 23-man squad of the year, ahead of the first Test of the three-match home series against France starting this weekend in Dunedin.

Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium will host the All Blacks’ first Test of the year for the second season running, after the All Blacks beat England, 16-15, in Robertson’s first game in charge of the team last year.

Scott Barrett will captain the side, with Fabian Holland, Ollie Norris, Du’Plessis Kirifi and Christian Lio-Willie all set to make their debuts for the All Blacks this weekend.

Robertson has named a familiar and experienced front row to take on France, with Ethan de Groot set to start at his home ground, alongside Crusaders duo Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell.

Holland will start at lock alongside Barrett, making his debut for the All Blacks.

Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i suprisingly starts at blindside flanker, joined by Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, and young Crusaders player Christian Lio-Willie in the loose forwards.

Robertson has picked Beauden Barrett to start at No.10, leaving Damian McKenzie on the bench for impact, who will be joined by Chiefs teammate Cortez Ratima to form a familiar combination in the late stages of the game.

Rieko Ioane, a popular area of discussion in this All Blacks team, is moved to the left wing to accommodate Billy Proctor, who will play his third game for the All Blacks.

Jordie Barrett is the preferred No.12 for the first game of the year, after a successful short sabbatical at Leinster in Ireland.

Crusaders star Will Jordan will play at fullback, while club teammate Sevu Reece will play on the right wing.

Robertson’s bench unit features a heavy Chiefs presence, with Samisoni Taukei’aho, Norris, Samipeni Finau, Ratima, McKenzie and Quinn Tupaea all set to feature off the bench.

Full All Blacks lineup for 1st Test against France: