Ruben Love is widely expected to secure a place in the All Blacks' starting lineup for their upcoming test against France, set to take place this Saturday at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. The fixture will mark the beginning of Dave Rennie’s tenure as head coach, with his team selection to be announced at 4 p.m. today.
Love, the dynamic No. 10 from the Hurricanes, stood out during the Super Rugby Pacific season, particularly in its crucial stages. Given Rennie’s commitment to selecting players based on form, it is anticipated that several of Love’s Hurricanes teammates will also be included in the matchday 23. Eleven Hurricanes players currently make up the 34-man All Blacks squad, and many are expected to feature against France.
Among those considered are the front-rowers Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, and Xavier Numia; hooker Asafo Aumua; loose forward Peter Lakai; halfback Cam Roigard; inside backs Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor; and the back-three players Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby. The availability and fitness of key squad members Will Jordan, Wallace Sititi, and Tupou Vaa’i remain factors that could influence selection decisions.
Jordie Barrett and Roigard are likely to accompany Love in an all-Hurricanes inside backs formation, with Love’s recent performances arguably outweighing competition from Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett. Lomax is expected to return to the tighthead prop role, with Lakai also projected to contribute either as a starter or off the bench. Depth in the front row could see Numia, Aumua, or Tosi earn backup positions.
The loose forward group presents a compelling mix, particularly if Sititi and Lakai are fit to join established players Ardie Savea and possibly Vaa’i or Simon Parker, whose inclusion would add physicality. Newcomer Anton Segner, noted for his work rate, has also caught the coaching staff’s attention. Aumua’s return from injury has been impressive, making a case for him as a dynamic substitute behind experienced hooker Codie Taylor, with Samisoni Taukei’aho potentially awaiting further opportunities.
Backline selection may be more contested. Proctor, who has formed a midfield partnership with Barrett at the Hurricanes, faces competition from Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea. The final choice could hinge on tactical preferences between physicality and finesse. Will Jordan, returning from a calf injury, is expected to start at fullback if fit, otherwise McKenzie or Moorby may fill the position. On the wings, Caleb Clarke is favored for his athleticism, with Moorby also a versatile option.
A notable selection question concerns Fehi Fineanganofo, who shared 34 tries with Moorby in the Super Rugby campaign. Although there have been discussions about his potential move to Newcastle, Rennie appears keen to evaluate him on the international stage.
Full clarity on the All Blacks’ lineup to face France is expected with today’s announcement, providing insight into Rennie’s strategic approach as the team embarks on the 2024 international season.