The French XV will play three matches against the All Blacks as part of its summer tour, from July 5 to 19, the New Zealand federation announced on Monday.
France Télévisions – Sports Editorial
Published on 09/12/2024 21:33
Reading time: 1min
Seven years later, the XV of France will once again challenge New Zealand at home. For their summer tour, the Blues will travel to the Antipodes for three matches against the All Blacks, on July 5, 12 and 19, the New Zealand federation announced on Monday, December 9.
This will mark the return of the Blues to New Zealand soil for the first time since 2018, where they had already completed their summer tour, beaten very heavily during their three confrontations against the All Blacks (52-11, 26-13, 49 -14). Next July, France will open the ball against New Zealand in Dunedin, before traveling to the capital Wellington for the second match. The last duel will take place in Hamilton, in the north of the archipelago, where the Blues have not played since 1961.
After their summer tour, the All Blacks will face South Africa twice at home (September 6 and 13) and Australia (September 27) at the end of the summer as part of the Rugby Championship. “Playing at home and representing your country in front of the New Zealanders is always special, especially against three of our historic rivals. France, South Africa and Australia will each bring unique challenges to us and that’s exciting for us as we continue to build our game in 2025”, New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said in a statement.
