by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson appointed four unkempt players in New Zealand’s Matchday 23 on Thursday for the first of three test games against France.
Lock Fabian Holland and No. 8 Christian Lio-Willie begin in Dunedin on Saturday, while Prop Ollie Norris and Flanker Du’plessis Kirifi will come from the bank for debuts.
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“This is a big moment for these men and their families,” said Robertson.
“We are all enthusiastic about them. For Fabian and Christian, it will be something special to debut in front of a Dunedin home amount, and I am sure that Fabians Highlanders and the Otago fans will be in full power.
“Ollie and Du’plessis both showed their class in Super Rugby this year and we know that they are ready.”
Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson miss an injury.
Beaude Barrett will begin in the Fly-Half, which was selected in front of Damian McKenzie, while Rieko Ioane, who plays blues in the centers for Auckland, is on the wing.
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New Zealand (15-1):
Will Jordan; Sevu Reece, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Christian Lio-Willie, Ardie Savea, Tupou Vaa’i; Fabian Holland, Scott Barrett (capt); Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Replacement: Samisoni Taucei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, du’plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.
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