All Blacks debut: Robertson launches new era with four debutants

The All Blacks Reveal Their Lineup for the Season Debut

The All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, has started a new phase, with four debutants in the starting team for New Zealand’s opening match against France in Dunedin. Robertson announced on Thursday Christian Lio-Willie and Fabian Holland as number 8 and second row, respectively, with prop Ollie Norris and flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi on the bench. Lio-Willie is perhaps the most surprising inclusion, as the Crusaders player was originally only called up to the extended squad as injury cover. However, a knee injury to Wallace Sititi, which has ruled him out for the entire series against France, created the opportunity for Lio-Willie to enter the considerations and will now play alongside Holland. The Highlanders’ second row is one of the most amazing stories of recent times, given that he left the Netherlands at 16 to pursue his rugby dream in New Zealand.

Christian Lio-Willie will make his debut as a starter at number 8 in the All Blacks’ opening match against France. It is combined with captain Scott Barrett in the second row, while Tupou Vaa’i starts at number 6, indicating how Robertson wants to play.

This is an important moment for these men and their families; we are all excited for them.

Scott Robertson

For Fabian and Christian, it will be special to debut in front of the local Dunedin fans and I am sure that Fabian’s Highlanders supporters and Christian’s Otago fans will be in full force. Ollie and Du’Plessis have shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready. The inclusion of Lio-Willie, meanwhile, pushes Ardie Savea back to his usual position as number 7 after having spent much of the last few years at number 8 for the All Blacks. Meanwhile, Beauden Barrett has overtaken Damian McKenzie to be the first five-eighth, while Rieko Ioane has moved back to the wing to make way for the in-form Billy Proctor.

New Zealand Lineup

• 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, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
• Substitutes: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi, Samipeni Finau, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea.