Eight Pasifika heritage players named in All Blacks season opener against France

Eight players of Pasifika heritage have been named in the All Blacks match-day 23 to battle France at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Saturday.

Captain Ardie Savea, who is of Samoan heritage, leads the pack in what is a historic game for the team's Pacific connection in their opening Nations Championship game of 2026.

All Blacks head coach David Rennie is of Cook Islands heritage, through his mother, and one of his assistants, Fa'alogo Tana Umaga is of Samoan origin.

Savea is joined by Peter Lakai and Caleb Clarke in the starting lineup, in the All Blacks' first test at the new Christchurch venue. On the bench are Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi and Fehi Fineanganofo.

There are likely debuts for Hurricanes pair Numia and Fineanganofo, two of the four new caps in the squad.

Aumua is making a comeback after after missing the 2025 international season because of injury.

Rennie has been true to his word of selecting on form, handing the reins at first-five to Ruben Love, who will start ahead of veteran Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie. Barrett is not in the match-day 23 while McKenzie will start at fullback.

Savea will start at numbet eight, while Lakai is named at six for the first time.

Rennie said the 23 is reflective of Super Rugby form, as well as crucial Test match experience.

"There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances. We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact," he said.

"We know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert. We've worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves.

"It is an honour to play the first Test match at the new Christchurch stadium and to bring the All Blacks back to this proud rugby region. What a way to start our season, playing under the roof in front of a sold-out stadium."

Tough lock forward Tupou Vaa'i was not considered because of concussion.

The Test will be the All Blacks' first in Christchurch in four years, and 13 years since the French last played there, which was in the 30-0 loss in 2013.

France and New Zealand have previously played each other 67 times, with the All Blacks winning 51 of those. France has only beaten the All Blacks four times on New Zealand soil.

This will be the 10th Test match for France in Christchurch, with just one resulting in a loss for the All Blacks. That was in 1994, when the match at Lancaster Park was lost 8-22.

The match kicks off at 7:05pm.

All Blacks (Test caps in brackets): 1. Ethan de Groot (40), 2. Codie Taylor (106), 3. Fletcher Newell (35), 4. Josh Lord (12), 5. Sam Darry (8), 6. Peter Lakai (8), 7. Luke Jacobson (24), 8. Ardie Savea (106) (Captain), 9. Cam Roigard (17), 10. Ruben Love (5), 11. Caleb Clarke (33), 12. Jordie Barrett (78), 13. Quinn Tupaea (24), 14. Will Jordan (54), 15. Damian McKenzie (74).

Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua (20), 17. Xavier Numia *, 18. Tyrel Lomax (48), 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (56), 20. Wallace Sititi (19), 21. Cortez Ratima (21), 22. Billy Proctor (11), 23. Fehi Fineanganofo*