The All Blacks are set to face France in the second test of their series at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, with kick-off at 7:05 pm. Following a tight opening encounter, Scott Robertson’s side will be aiming to secure the series, while the French team is buoyed by their strong performance in the first test and will be looking to defeat the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2009.
However, history is not on France’s side in the capital. They have never beaten the All Blacks in Wellington and their record in the city includes a shock 19-14 pool stage loss to Tonga during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Historical Head-to-Head
- Played: 65
- All Blacks won: 49
- France won: 15
- Draws: 1
- All Blacks points: 1694
- France points: 925
Last Encounter in Wellington: All Blacks 26, France 13 (2018)
France’s hopes of an upset were dashed when fullback Benjamin Fall received a red card in the 11th minute for a dangerous challenge on Beauden Barrett in the air. Playing with 14 men for most of the match, the French side struggled to contain the hosts.
Tries from Joe Moody and Ben Smith gave the All Blacks a 14-3 lead after 20 minutes. Jordie Barrett, starting at fullback, scored on either side of halftime to extend the lead to 26-6. While France was denied two tries by the TMO, they managed a consolation score at fulltime. The victory secured the Dave Gallaher Trophy for the All Blacks with a game to spare.
Team Line-ups
All Blacks:
- Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor (vc), 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Christian Lio-Willie, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett (vc), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Rieko Ioane, 15. Will Jordan.
Replacements: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Samipeni Finau, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Damian McKenzie.
France:
- Baptiste Erdocio, 2. Gaetan Barlot (c), 3. Georges-Henri Colombe, 4. Joshua Brennan, 5. Matthias Halagahu, 6. Pierre Bochaton, 7. Jacobus Van Tonder, 8. Esteban Abadie, 9. Nolann Le Garrec, 10. Joris Segonds, 11. Emilien Gailleton, 12. Pierre-Louis Barassi, 13. Nicolas Depoortere, 14. Theo Attissogbe, 15. Leo Barré.
Replacements: 16. Pierre Bourgarit, 17. Paul Mallez, 18. Regis Montagne, 19. Romain Taofifenua, 20. Cameron Woki, 21. Bastien Vergnes Taillefer, 22. Thilbault Daubagna, 23. Antoine Hastoy.
Match Officials and Form
England’s Christophe Ridley will referee the second test, marking his first time officiating a senior All Blacks match. His only test involving France was their Six Nations draw with Italy last year.
The All Blacks enter the contest in strong form, having won their last two matches and seven of their last eight tests. France’s recent record includes three wins and two losses in their last five outings.
Match and Series Details
Betting Odds:
- All Blacks: $1.16
- Draw: $21
- France: $5
Series Schedule:
- Test 1: All Blacks 31, France 27 (Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin)
- Test 2: Saturday, July 12, 7:05 pm (Sky Stadium, Wellington)
- Test 3: Saturday, July 19, 7:05 pm (FMG Stadium, Hamilton)
How to Follow:
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 and streamed on Sky Sport Now. Live radio commentary will be available on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio.
