2025 All Blacks v France series

[brodean]

Overall there seems to be some height and weight in the locks/backrow.

The backs don't seem particularly big.

There are not too many very young players. There are a lot of players in their mid twenties which should be hitting their peak.

[ARHS]

Their top xv is passable, but very green indeed below that. AB bench should go well.

[kiwiinmelb]

@taniwharugby said in 2025 All Blacks Squad v France:

@kiwiinmelb not like they havent done this before though.

Would be good if we just smoke them...or we should have made it NZ A or the Maori to face them.

Cultural differences I guess, to us every test match is important ,

For them, are they influenced by their most popular sport soccer where some test matches are labelled friendlies if not much is on the line ?

[gt12]

@kiwiinmelb

My French friend emailed me using exactly that word last week.

It’s a completely different view if you don’t value the legacy of AB success.

[taniwharugby]

@gt12 reminds me of one of the early Adidas campaigns when they came on board with the ABs.

"The legacy you face is more intimidating than any opposition"

[ACT Crusader]

@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

@DurryMexted

We don't have the same level of depth. They have 14 deep squads because of the season length.

I could easily find 17 uncapped NZRU contracted players and hand them an AB cap and say go smash ‘em bro

[Chris B.]

@ACT-Crusader said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

@brodean said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

@DurryMexted

We don't have the same level of depth. They have 14 deep squads because of the season length.

I could easily find 17 uncapped NZRU contracted players and hand them an AB cap and say go smash ‘em bro

Brian McGrattan, Sean Fitzpatrick, Kevin Boroevich.....

[sparky]

Cameron Woki, despite getting a red card from the Bunker on Saturday, is a free to play in the first test against the All Blacks. The French will be grateful to have one of the most experienced players in the squad available

worldrugby.org

Independent disciplinary process update: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) and Cameron Woki (France) | World Rugby

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) has been suspended for two matches and Cameron Woki (France) has faced a disciplinary committee on Tuesday 24 June, after a Foul Play Review Committee considered their respective red cards issued during England XV v France XV on 21 June.

[Bovidae]

I'm now happy that I didn't bother to buy a ticket to the 3rd test. The price certainly doesn't justify the strength of the French team. Of course, the game sold out weeks ago!

[sparky]

World Rugby need to fine associations who don't select their strongest available 23s for Test matches.

The fans of Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton are being treated with contempt by the French Rugby authorities.

A bigger proportion of the gate receipts from the All Blacks next game in Paris should be given to NZR.

[sparky]

@Bovidae 500 more tickets have been released today if anyone does want to see the All Blacks taken on the French third string team. Hospitality is also available.

[nonpartizan]

Amidst the disappointing news of a weak French team I got the personal good news today that I would like to share.

I was able to get tickets to attend the captains run in Hamilton and it will be either Conrad Smith or Stephen Donald hosting and discussing their career etc. Beyond excited. Just two weeks till we fly to NZ to visit for the first time and the time can't rush by soon enough.

[Frank]

I don't mind a weaker French side. Gives the coaches more scope for experimentation.

[Bones]

@Frank said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

I don't mind a weaker French side. Gives the coaches more scope for experimentation.

Nah, gives them scope to lose to a terrible french side and say "see, looks what happens when you experiment, fuck that - give Dave, Ethan, George, Cullen , Tom and Dallas a call."

[Bovidae]

@nonpartizan Is this something you had to register and pay for?

[nonpartizan]

@Bovidae said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

@nonpartizan Is this something you had to register and pay for?

Bovidae, it was incorporated into the cost of the ticket - the name of the package was the "Black jersey pass".

[MN5]

@nonpartizan said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

Amidst the disappointing news of a weak French team I got the personal good news today that I would like to share.

I was able to get tickets to attend the captains run in Hamilton and it will be either Conrad Smith or Stephen Donald hosting and discussing their career etc. Beyond excited. Just two weeks till we fly to NZ to visit for the first time and the time can't rush by soon enough.

Two of New Zealand Rugbys best roosters. You'll be happy either way.

[Tim]

@nonpartizan That sounds great. Out of interest, is this promoted as a tourist event?

[nonpartizan]

@Tim I think it was available to allcomers - when I registered for the presale the email I got when sales opened gave the option of "Black jersey pass" which included the chance to watch the captains run.

Iirc the tickets were NZD $425 each but since it is my first trip to NZ and first time seeing the All Blacks I figured it was worth the money to have a never to be forgotten experience.

[nonpartizan]

@MN5 said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

@nonpartizan said in 2025 All Blacks v France series:

Amidst the disappointing news of a weak French team I got the personal good news today that I would like to share.

I was able to get tickets to attend the captains run in Hamilton and it will be either Conrad Smith or Stephen Donald hosting and discussing their career etc. Beyond excited. Just two weeks till we fly to NZ to visit for the first time and the time can't rush by soon enough.

Two of New Zealand Rugbys best roosters. You'll be happy either way.

Yes, I just found out today and am ecstatic. Two champions.