All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named a 34-man squad that balances seasoned veterans with emerging talent as New Zealand prepares for its upcoming test series against France. With the 2023 Rugby World Cup less than two years away, Rennie appears to prioritize experience alongside form, opting against making sweeping changes to the squad.

The selected group includes eight players aged 30 or older, with three more nearing that milestone. Notably, Scott Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, and Shannon Frizell are expected to return later in the campaign, potentially bringing the number of experienced players within the World Cup squad to more than one-third. Rennie also hopes to reintegrate veteran lock Brodie Retallick, now 35, emphasizing the value the management places on leadership and maturity within the side.

This context is key as the All Blacks prepare for their July test fixtures, beginning with a match against France in Christchurch. The French squad, initially grabbing headlines due to some absences, in fact includes several high-profile players, notably European champions Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, and Damian Penaud, all of whom play for Bordeaux. Jalibert, who is regarded as a first-choice fly-half for France, adds considerable firepower. The French contingent also features nine other Bordeaux players, including regular midfielders Yoram Moefana and Nicolas Depoortère, all of whom have competed in the recent Six Nations tournament.

This marks an arguably stronger French lineup than the one that toured New Zealand last year, underscoring the challenge the All Blacks face. As such, the selectors may weigh two key considerations: giving established players like Beauden Barrett the opportunity to prove their worth under the new coaching regime, and ensuring emerging talents like Ruben Love are introduced appropriately.

Love has enjoyed a strong season and is poised to take on the All Blacks fly-half role, but Rennie’s staff may prefer to allow him additional preparation time ahead of his anticipated first test start. The transition from Super Rugby to international test rugby comes with heightened expectations and pressures, and the team gathers only shortly before the first test, limiting the runway for adaptation.

Barrett, aged 35 and approaching the twilight of his career, brings experience not only as a player but also potentially as a mentor, similar to roles formerly held by veterans like Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles. Starting him in the upcoming test against a formidable French side would provide insight into his readiness to contribute both on and off the field in what are crucial stages ahead of the World Cup.