The All Blacks’ 3-0 sweep in the Lipovitan-D series against France (July 5–19, 2025) revealed key lessons for the Rugby Championship. This All Blacks France series 2025 lessons post explores how New Zealand’s depth, resilience, and Scott Robertson’s strategies triumphed despite injuries and a spirited French side. From a tight 31-27 win in Dunedin to a 43-17 Wellington masterclass and a gritty 29-19 Hamilton finale, the All Blacks showed they’re ready for 2025. Here’s what we learned!
Depth Tested by Injuries
Injuries to key players like Scott Barrett, Wallace Sititi, and Beauden Barrett forced Robertson to rely on squad depth. Emerging talents like Fabian Holland and debutant Brodie McAlister stepped up, while veterans like Ardie Savea led with poise. The Hamilton test, with 10 lineup changes, saw Ruben Love and Du’Plessis Kirifi shine, proving New Zealand’s bench strength. Learn more about Savea’s leadership in our Ardie Savea profile.
Resilience Against a Spirited France
France, despite 10 changes in Wellington and a debutant-heavy squad, pushed the All Blacks hard. Their “unstructured” style, as noted by Louis Picamoles, challenged New Zealand’s pragmatic approach (). However, the All Blacks adapted, with a defensive focus in Wellington and patience in Hamilton’s 58-minute comeback. Scott Robertson praised France’s gallant effort, noting, “We’re better for it”. For squad details, visit our All Blacks 2025 squad news.
Robertson’s Tactical Evolution
Coach Scott Robertson emphasized continuity and finishing, addressing Dunedin’s three disallowed tries. Wellington’s set-piece precision, led by Savea’s record-breaking 29th try, showcased tactical growth. In Hamilton, a superior scrum and relentless drives overcame France’s 279 tackles. These lessons signal a strong Rugby Championship start against Argentina on August 16. For more analysis, check NZ Herald or allblacks.com.
Stream the Series Highlights
Relive the All Blacks France series 2025 lessons via top platforms. JokerHDPass offers HD streaming worldwide, alongside Sky Sport (NZ), Stan Sport (Australia), and NZR+ in select regions. Visit our All Blacks France 2025 streaming guide for details. Want to catch the Rugby Championship live? Check our All Blacks tickets page.
Looking Ahead to Rugby Championship
The series exposed areas for growth, like lineout consistency, but confirmed New Zealand’s depth and adaptability. With seven players starting for the first time in Hamilton, the All Blacks are building versatility for 2025. What are your takeaways from the series? Share below and follow #AllBlacks2025 on social media for updates!