Rieko Ioane returns to the wing with Sevu Reece for 1st France test

Rieko Ioane is returning to the wing in one of several surprise picks by Scott Robertson for the All Blacks’ opening test against France this Saturday.

Fiji born Sevu Reece is on the right wing.

Uncapped midfielder, Timoci Tavatavanawai is not featured in the match day squad, although he is likely to feature in the series.

Ioane has been named on the left wing for the series opener in Dunedin. He last started a test there against Wales in Cardiff in October 2021.

Tupou Vaa’i, primarily a lock, is starting at blindside flanker for the first time since the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Robertson has also handed debuts to four players — lock Fabian Holland and No 8 Christian Lio-Willie will start and tighthead prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi are on the bench.

Lio-Willie wasn’t in the original squad but injuries to Wallace Sititi (ankle) and Luke Jacobson (head knock) opened the door.

With Scott Barrett captaining at lock, his brother Beauden has retained the No 10 jersey ahead of Damian McKenzie with Cam Roigard at halfback.

Ioane’s move from centre allows Billy Proctor to start at No 13 for his third test appearance.

Proctor lines up with Jordie Barrett in midfield and Will Jordan will start at fullback.

Fletcher Newell has shaken off concerns about a knee injury to start at tighthead prop with Tyrel Lomax nursing a calf injury, with Codie Taylor at hooker and Ethan de Groot at loosehead.

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and tighthead Pasilio Tosi are in reserve.

Midfielder Quinn Tupaea is also poised for his test comeback off the bench after his last All Blacks appearance in 2022. Cortez Ratima is the reserve halfback.

The All Blacks take on France at 7.05pm Saturday.

They are also hosting France in Wellington on July 12th and Hamilton on July 19th.

All Blacks: 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. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi,  Samipeni Finau, Du’Plessis Kirifi,  Cortez Ratima,  Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.

[Source : stuff.co.nz]