All Blacks coach Robertson gives Love a chance against France
Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 31, 2024 New Zealand coach Scott Robertson before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo
Ruben Love will start at fullback in a much-changed lineup as the All Blacks look to complete a 3-0 whitewash of France in the series finale in Hamilton on Saturday.
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson made good on his pledge to give everyone in his wider squad a chance, bringing in seven players for their first taste of test rugby this season.
Wellington Hurricanes fullback Love gets his second test cap following his debut against Japan last year, while Luke Jacobson will start at number eight in a rejigged back row after recovering from injury.
Robertson said Love, who replaces Will Jordan in the number 15 shirt, had earned his chance from a strong Super Rugby season.
"He's ready for this. I expect a lot of kicking (from France). He's great under the high ball and got an incredible boot himself," Robertson told a press conference on Thursday.
"He gives us that depth that's required."
Samipeni Finau replaces the injured Tupou Vaa'i in the number six shirt, while stand-in captain Ardie Savea remains starting openside flanker.
Centre Anton Lienert-Brown comes in to the midfield with inside centre Quinn Tupaea, while Sevu Reece has returned to the wing after missing the second test with concussion.
The squad is also notable for lacking a single Barrett brother, with lock and captain Scott ruled out of the series, flyhalf Beauden sidelined with a hand injury and midfielder Jordie omitted.
Robertson said Beauden Barrett needed an X-ray and declined to confirm whether the issue was related to the hand injury that caused him to miss multiple weeks of Super Rugby with the Blues.
"I'm not a doctor but it was a little puffy so we looked after him," said Robertson.
Damian McKenzie will slip on the number 10 shirt left by Barrett, with Cortez Ratima to start at scrumhalf.
Robertson also shook up his front row, starting Samisoni Taukei'aho at hooker and Tyrel Lomax at tighthead prop.
Waikato Chiefs hooker Brodie  McAlister will hope to debut off the bench at his home stadium.
After an unconvincing win in Dunedin, the All Blacks thrashed the French 43-17 in Wellington to seal the series, giving Robertson the luxury to tweak combinations in Hamilton.
"These men have earned their place in the team, have trained extremely hard over the last three weeks, and will take their opportunity on Saturday night," Robertson said.
Team:
15-Ruben Love, 14-Sevu Reece, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 12-Quinn Tupaea, 11-Rieko Ioane, 10-Damian McKenzie, 9-Cortez Ratima, 8-Luke Jacobson, 7-Ardie Savea (Captain), 6-Samipeni Finau, 5-Fabian Holland, 4-Patrick Tuipulotu (Vice-Captain), 3-Tyrel Lomax, 2-Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1-Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16-Brodie McAlister, 17-George Bower, 18-Fletcher Newell, 19-Dalton Papali’i, 20-Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21-Noah Hotham, 22-Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23-Will Jordan
