This summer, the French XV will travel to New Zealand to play three tests. An anticipated summer tour which is already causing a lot of talk in the land of the long white cloud. Explanations.
It's official since Monday, the Blues will not see Auckland's Eden Park next summer. Next July, Fabien Galthié's gang will challenge the All Blacks on their home soil. The three matches will be played in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton. So no party in the legendary Auckland venue. A surprise? Not really.
Since last June, Kiwi leaders have had a bit of a bitter taste in their mouths when talking about the arrival of the France team. And this, for a very particular reason. Scott Robertson and his players already know that they are not going to face a full French XV. “ We will go on tour in the summer of 2025 in New Zealand without our “Premiums”announced Galthié six months ago in the columns of L’Équipe. It’s an assumed choice. But it's been like this for 4 years. Why change strategy? Because we're traveling to the All Blacks? You have to be consistent.”
Just for information, without “premium”, it is certain that Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud or even Emmanuel Meafou to name a few, will not cross the globe to put on the blue jersey. Even if they do not play in the Top 14 final, they will not be selected.
“Please send the best team possible”
As a result, many French executives will be missing as well as the Top 14 finalists. In this context, it is difficult to sell the series to New Zealand supporters. An All Blacks fan did not hesitate to call out the blue-white-red staff on social networks in November, after the fierce duel between the two selections on the pitch of the French XV: “ Please send the best team you can to New Zealand next year. Talk to the Top 14 and find a way. Today's match reminds us that nothing beats an international match worthy of the name. Our children would like to see Dupont, Ntamack, Penaud in their garden”
A desire shared by those responsible for the NZR.. “They are furious because it devalues a mega-series and their ability to market it, especially since France has signaled it is doing so so far in advance.” declared journalist Will Kelleher on X. This is why slightly smaller stadiums were chosen to host one of the three tests. The Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin can only accommodate 30,000 people, this stops at 25,000 for the FMG Stadium in Hamilton. We are far from the capacity of Eden Park (55,000 or even 60,000).
A lifeline that was in the United States
At first glance, the information was surprising. But on closer inspection, the wish of the Kiwi federation is easily heard. By going into exile in the United States, the objective was to sell the “All Blacks” brand. Understand, whatever the opponent in front of them, Ardie Savea and his partners attract people.
And then obviously, if the FFR had ever agreed to relocate one of the three confrontations to the other side of the Atlantic, the economic fallout would have been very different. In the end, the three matches will be played in New Zealand, a new disappointment for the NZR… The economic system in the country of long white cloud being more fragile than in France, these summer tours are an opportunity to fill the checkouts and treat yourself to a breath of fresh air. The arrival of the XV of France looked like a godsend for New Zealand. This will ultimately not be the case, or rather, not as much as hoped. And it makes one cringe…
