France have not got their best players on tour but they do have incredible depth. This is the first game for the All Blacks under Dave Rennie, so I do expect them to take some time to settle in. France +11.5.
Key Stats - New Coaching Staff for All Blacks
- New Zealand have won their last 3 matches against France.
- New Zealand have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
- France are not at full strength.
- France are the 2026 Six Nations champions.
- France have won 7 of their last 8 matches.
Head to Head
New Zealand beat France 3-0 in a home series in July 2025. It must, however, be noted that France had hardly any first-choice players on that tourn.
All Blacks Dave Rennie Era Begins
New Zealand went through 2025 in inconsistent form, failing to win the biggest of their matches on most occasions. This year, with a new coaching staff, they will be hoping for vast improvement as they look towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
During the Rugby Championship, New Zealand beat Argentina but lost to the same opponents a week later. Their return home saw them retain their unbeaten Eden Park record, defeating South Africa, but again, a week later, the All Blacks were thrashed 43-10 in Wellington by the Springboks.
The double over Australia followed by wins against Ireland and Scotland put them on a four-match winning streak before falling 33-19 to England at Twickenham. The All Blacks final game of 2025 saw them defeat Wales 52-26.
Weakened France to Produce
France were impressive as they defending their Six Nations crown earlier this year. They lost just one game on route to the title (50-40 to Scotland) and held on to beat England 48-46 in the final round to claim the title.
During their 2025 Autumn Nations games, France lost to South Africa but beat Fiji and Australia on home soil.
This will be a huge test for France as they have seldom in recent years appeared remotely near full strength in the Southern Hemisphere.
New Zealand vs France Team News
New Zealand: The Dave Rennie era begins this Saturday, and the new head coach has promised a return to New Zealand’s traditional attacking approach. The selection of Ruben Love at flyhalf is the biggest talking point, but his form for the Hurricanes in 2026 has been spectacular.
France: Fabian Galthie has once again brought a side over to the South that is nowhere remotely near full strength. However, it is not quite as inexperienced as last year’s squad. They have a strong set piece and incredible depth, so they will almost certainly challenge the All Blacks. Antoine Dupont was expected to travel but he picked up a niggle in the Top 14 final last weekend.