All Blacks: Robertson starts era with four debutants against France

Scott Robertson Starts New Era with the All Blacks: Debutants and Strategic Changes

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson kicks off a new era, introducing four debutants in the team for the season opener against France in Dunedin. Robertson on Thursday named Christian Lio-Willie and Fabian Holland at number 8 and second five-eighth, respectively, while Ollie Norris and Du’Plessis Kirifi were included on the bench. Lio-Willie is perhaps the most surprising inclusion, as the Crusaders player was originally only called up to the team 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 hará su debut en el test en el puesto número 8 en el partido inaugural de los All Blacks contra Francia.

Joins captain Scott Barrett in the second row, while Tupou Vaa’i starts at number 6, indicating the game strategy Robertson wishes to implement.

This is a momentous occasion for these men and their families; we are all thrilled 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 voice,” added Robertson. “Ollie and Du’Plessis have shown their class in Super Rugby this year and we know they are ready.” The inclusion of Lio-Willie, for his part, pushes Ardie Savea back to his usual position as number 7, as the veteran has spent much of the last few years at number 8 for the All Blacks. Meanwhile, Beauden Barrett surpassed Damian McKenzie to be the first fly-half, while Rieko Ioane has moved to the wing to accommodate the talented Billy Proctor.