Listen Now: 
New Zealand Rugby has named a 33‑player squad for the upcoming three‑Test Lipovitan‑D July Series against France, to be staged across Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton.
Head coach Scott Robertson, alongside selectors Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan, has struck a balance between continuity and opportunity, retaining around three‑quarters of those who toured in late 2024, while bringing in fresh talent from Super Rugby Pacific.
The five uncapped players are:
-
Brodie McAlister (hooker, Chiefs/Canterbury)
-
Ollie Norris (prop, Chiefs/Waikato)
-
Fabian Holland (lock, Highlanders/Otago)
-
Du’Plessis Kirifi (flanker, Hurricanes/Wellington)
-
Timoci Tavatavanawai (centre, Highlanders/Tasman)
Robertson praised their Super Rugby performances, highlighting Holland’s physical presence and how these selections reward strong domestic form. Veterans such as Scott Barrett (captain, lock) and Ardie Savea (vice‑captain, flanker) provide leadership and stability. Front‑row experience includes Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, and Fletcher Newell. Injury concerns are already making waves:
-
Wallace Sititi (loose forward) was ruled out with an ankle injury, with uncapped Christian Lio‑Willie added, and Dalton Papali’i brought in as cover.
-
A knee issue sidelined Tamaiti Williams, and George Bower was called up in his place
France arrives with a weakened developmental squad—many of their stars are still engaged in the Top 14 final or recovering from injury. With both teams looking for a statement, Robertson has cautioned against complacency.
The series kicks off:
-
July 5 – Dunedin (Forsyth Barr Stadium)
-
July 12 – Wellington (Sky Stadium)
-
July 19 – Hamilton (Waikato Stadium)
RELATED NEWS
