New Zealand Rugby All Blacks: Ardie Savea’s Latest Moment in Paris

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the squad for the upcoming Test series against France, featuring key players including All Blacks captain Ardie Savea. The announcement, made on June 21, 2026, outlines the 30-man roster selected for the two-Test series scheduled for August 2026. The team includes a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talent, with Savea set to lead the side in his 50th Test appearance. According to a statement from New Zealand Rugby, the selection prioritized “balance, fitness, and adaptability” ahead of the fixtures in Paris and Lyon.

The squad features 12 players who participated in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including fly-half Beauden Barrett and lock Sam Whitelock. Savea, the 2023 World Player of the Year, was named captain following the retirement of the previous captain, with the governing body citing his “leadership, work rate, and ability to elevate teammates” as factors in the decision. Barrett, who has been sidelined since April 2026 due to a knee injury, is included in the squad but will undergo further medical evaluation before the first Test.

Head coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of the series in preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, stating, “France is a strong, physical side with a deep squad. We need to test our systems and ensure we’re ready for the challenges ahead.” The selection includes three uncapped players: scrum-half Will Jordan, wing Alex Nootbaar, and prop Owen Franks, who was called up after a standout season with the Hurricanes. Franks, 24, becomes the youngest prop in the squad since 2018, according to statistics from the New Zealand Rugby website.

Key changes from the 2023 World Cup squad include the exclusion of flanker Ardie Savea’s regular partner, Sam Cane, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. Cane, 33, was replaced by flanker Sam Nock, who has been in strong form for the Chiefs this season. The backline retains its core, with Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett expected to anchor the midfield. However, the absence of full-back Israel Dagg, who retired in 2025, has led to the inclusion of rookie full-back Caleb Makaranga, 22, from the Blues.

The series against France marks the first major Test series since the 2023 World Cup, where New Zealand finished as runners-up. The team’s performance in the 2026 Six Nations and Autumn Tests will be critical in determining their World Cup preparations. France, meanwhile, has named a squad featuring 10 players who competed in the 2023 World Cup, including captain Antoine Dupont and center Uini Atonio. The two teams last met in November 2024, with New Zealand securing a 28-25 victory in Paris.

Matchday 1 is scheduled for August 12, 2026, at Stade de France, with Matchday 2 on August 19 at Stade de Lyon. Both games will be broadcast on Sky Sports and ESPN, with live coverage available through the World Rugby website. The selection has drawn mixed reactions from fans, with some praising the inclusion of younger players and others expressing concerns about the absence of experienced forwards. A post on the New Zealand Rugby Facebook page received over 5,000 comments, with one user writing, “It’s bold to go with the young guns, but we’ve seen their potential this season.”

According to a report by The New Zealand Herald, the squad selection process involved input from 12 senior coaches and medical staff, with a focus on “long-term development and immediate competitiveness.” The team’s fitness coach, Sarah Thompson, noted that the squad has undergone a “comprehensive physical and tactical assessment” to ensure readiness for the series. Players will begin training in July 2026, with a pre-tournament camp in Bordeaux, France, starting on July 20.

The series against France is part of a broader schedule for New Zealand, which includes a three-Test tour of Argentina in September 2026 and the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers. The team’s performance in these fixtures will influence their World Cup seeding, with the top four teams from the 2026-2027 qualification cycle securing automatic spots. New Zealand currently holds the No. 1 ranking in the World Rugby Rankings, a position they have maintained since 2022.

Key players to watch in the squad include:
• Ardie Savea (captain, 50th Test appearance)
• Beauden Barrett (fly-half, 100+ caps)
• Sam Whitelock (lock, 120+ caps)
• Caleb Makaranga (full-back, rookie)
• Owen Franks (prop, 24 years old)

As the team prepares for the series, the focus remains on maintaining their dominance in international rugby. The clash against France will serve as a critical test of their adaptability and depth, with the World Cup looming on the horizon. New Zealand Rugby has stated that the squad’s “commitment to excellence and innovation” will be central to their strategy, as reported in their official match preview document.