The All Blacks are set to face France in a thrilling three-Test series starting July 5, 2025, in Dunedin. Star loose forward Ardie Savea warns that France, despite a weakened squad, will “turn up to play” with their unpredictable style. The All Blacks vs France 2025 series introduces five new faces to Scott Robertson’s squad, promising intense battles. This article dives into Savea’s insights, key matchups, the schedule, and how to watch live globally. For more, check our All Blacks France matchups.
Savea’s Warning: France’s Unpredictable Edge
Ardie Savea, fresh off his Super Rugby Pacific MVP award with Moana Pasifika, expects a tough fight despite France’s missing top 37 players due to Top 14 commitments. “Whoever they pick, France turn up to play,” Savea said, highlighting their “touch of madness” that makes them dangerous. Despite injuries to fullback Cheikh Tiberghien and wing Gabin Villiere, France added five Top 14 stars, including Toulouse’s Pierre-Louis Barassi. Savea’s versatility—potentially shifting from No. 8 to openside—will counter France’s Antoine Dupont. Explore Savea’s role in our youth talent feature.
All Blacks Squad: New Faces, Barrett Retained as Captain
Coach Scott Robertson named a 33-player squad on June 23, including debutants like Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and lock Fabian Holland. Despite calls for Savea to lead, Scott Barrett remains captain, leveraging their strong bond. The loose forward trio—Savea, Samipeni Finau, and Du’Plessis Kirifi—boasts an 88% ruck success rate, with Kirifi’s jackaling a standout. Billy Proctor is set to start at centre, adding flair to a midfield with Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane. X fans praised the squad’s balance, with one post noting, “Savea at 7 could be a game-changer”. For squad details, see our Rugby Championship guide.
All Blacks vs France 2025 Schedule
The All Blacks face France in three Tests, starting in Dunedin. Below are the confirmed fixtures:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 5, 2025 | France | 7:05 PM | Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin |
| July 12, 2025 | France | 7:05 PM | Eden Park, Auckland |
| July 19, 2025 | France | 7:05 PM | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
Tickets start at NZ$40 (adults) and NZ$20 (children) via allblacks.com. For the full schedule, visit our All Blacks schedule.
Key Matchups to Watch
Savea vs. Antoine Dupont is the headline battle, with Savea’s turnover prowess (10 turnovers in Super Rugby) challenging Dupont’s ruck speed. The scrum, led by Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, faces France’s depleted front row, while Beauden Barrett’s kicking targets their weakened back three. France’s “madness,” as noted by Louis Picamoles, could disrupt New Zealand’s structure, per X discussions. For more, read our breakdown analysis and scrum tactics.
France’s Depleted Squad: Opportunity or Trap?
France’s squad, missing stars like Gregory Alldritt, has drawn criticism from All Blacks legends like Justin Marshall for lacking “respect” for the game. Yet, Savea remains cautious, noting their “nothing to lose” mindset. Additions like Nicolas Depoortere add depth, but injuries weaken their backline. Robertson aims to exploit this with rookies like Noah Hotham. For historical context, see our France series preview.
How to Watch All Blacks vs France 2025 Live
Catch every tackle with these global streaming options:
- JokerHDPass: Stream in HD on JokerHDPass, ideal for geo-restricted regions, supporting smart TVs and mobiles.
- NZR+: Free streaming in select regions at NZR+. Verify eligibility.
- Sky Sport Now: Stream in New Zealand via Sky Sport Now (NZ$24.99/week).
- Stan Sport: Australian fans can watch on Stan Sport (A$15/month + base plan).
- FloRugby: USA viewers can stream via FloRugby ($29.99/month).
Use a VPN like NordVPN for geo-restricted streams. A 5 Mbps connection ensures HD quality. Visit our streaming guide for tips.
Why This Series Matters
The All Blacks vs France series kicks off Robertson’s 2025 campaign, testing rookies and Savea’s new role against France’s chaotic style. With Savea heading to Kobe Steelers post-series, this could be his final home Tests. The series sets the tone for the Rugby Championship—read more in our Rugby Championship guide. Follow ABS Rugby for updates!
Who will win the All Blacks vs France series? Share your predictions in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #AllBlacks2025!