Captain Scott Barrett expects a weakened France side with eight uncapped players to “fire everything” at the All Blacks in Dunedin on Saturday.
Speaking at the end of training at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Barrett said his team would not take lightly a French team lacking experience.
“We’re certainly not reading into anything, that it’s a weakened French side,” Barrett told reporters. “Any French side you have to give the utmost respect, and we’ve certainly prepared like that.
“We haven’t had much success in recent years against the French so we’re looking to turn that around.”
France’s 42-man squad contains 20 uncapped players, with many of their best players left at home, owing to injury or the long European season.
“I don’t think it’s disrespectful,” Barrett said of the team French coach Fabien Galthie had selected. “Fabien and their management will select a team that’s appropriate to play us tomorrow night, and with debutants and a mix of experience on the bench I’m sure they’ll be firing everything at us.”
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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson echoed those sentiments on Thursday, saying France had enviable depth.
“This is when they’re probably at their most dangerous when they’re underestimated,” Robertson said. “It’s quite nice that you guys tell the story that they’re depleted and all that, then they get their backs up and we get a ferocious French team.”
100% correct Justin.
If France keep doing this, just don’t invite them.
Full Episode: https://t.co/VmJkWzUlRB pic.twitter.com/JLC2E539Nk
— Scoop
(@Rugby_Scoop) June 29, 2025
The All Blacks will be able to lean on the experience of three Barrett brothers on Saturday – captain Scott, flyhalf Beauden and inside centre Jordie have more than 280 caps combined.
But add in uncapped flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi, and you have four players who worked the Barrett family farm.
“Du’Plessis was good friends with Jordie at school and he came out to the farm,” Scott Barrett said. “We were doing home kill one day and he mucked in and helped out … so it’s great to see him get his opportunity tomorrow night.
“I actually said personally to Du’Plessis that he’s certainly ready for Test match rugby. He plays a physical game, combative, loves the breakdown, so he’s going to be a real asset to this team going forward.”
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Speaking about his brother Jordie, who has just returned from a sabbatical with Leinster, Scott Barrett said he had added to his skill set during his time away.
“It’s been a great experience for him. He’s brought a few things back which is great for this group and I’m sure he’ll be looking to put a great performance in.”
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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