New Look All Blacks to Take the Field

(Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)

The team named by French boss Marc Lievremont will likely be laced with players from Stade Toulousain—the three times Heineken Cup champions—who make up nine spots of the squad, and players from Ewen McKenzie’s Stade Francais (five spots) and Biarritz and Montpellier (six).

All up, there are eight players who featured in the match day twenty two for France in the 2007 World Cup that will likely play a role in the two test series.

Thierry Dusautoir, regarded by some as the best defensive flanker in world rugby, will captain Les Bleus.

So are we looking at a repeat of history, when France famously defeated the All Blacks 2-0 in the landmark test series of 1994?

It is hard to say.

Looking through the team, the front row is experienced, and features well over 100 tests.  Andrew Hore is on form New Zealand’s best rake, and in open play he is without peer.

Tony Woodcock continues to rehabilitate from an ear infection, but is still one of the premier scrummagers in world rubgy, as is Neemia Tialata, but the 130 kg prop has had a mixed 2009.

The back five of the pack has only Brad Thorn and Adam Thomson having played more than 2 test matches.  Thorn’s presence as the enforcer helps, while statistically, the Otago flanker actually stole more ball than any other player in the Super 14, and was immense during the Highlanders season.

Kieran Read and Liam Messam are both tasked with massive responsibility, but they had standout seasons.  While Issac Ross, Byrn Evans, and Tanerau Latimer are all uncapped, they come with a plentiful pedigree, but will need to make a clear jump in class against an abrasive French pack.

In the backline, there is solidity there despite lacking Sivivatu and Smith, both first choice starters.

Jimmy Cowan continues as first choice scrumhalf, and Stephen Donald arguably could have earned the number ten berth even if Dan Carter has played in the Super 14.

From 12 to 15 though, the All Blacks have a huge amount of class and 172 test caps.

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