Test Preview: Love, Finau and Tupaea Step Into the Spotlight

Seven players may be having their first start for the All Blacks in Saturday's third Lipovitan-D Test against France in Hamilton, but nothing changes in the side's intent to continue building its game.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson was pleased to welcome back tighthead prop Tyrell Lomax and centre Anton Lienert-Brown, experienced players who will help balance the input of younger players being introduced. Flanker Samipeni Finau, No8 Luke Jacobson, second five-eighths Quinn Tupaea and fullback Ruben Love are also having their first starts of the Test season.

At the same time, Robertson said that while it was the third Test of the series, it was just as important as the first Test.

Love has a start at fullback.

"His consistency from Super Rugby, he's matured nicely and he's trained incredibly well and is ready for this. He's good under the ball and he's got an incredible boot, so he will give us that depth that's required."

First five-eighths Beauden Barrett was considered, but they wanted to look after him following a hand injury suffered at training, and he is to be X-rayed.

Samipeni Finau, who is to start on the blindside of the scrum for the injured Tupou Vaa'i, will also cover for lock, something he showed he could do in the second Test.

Flanker Dalton Papali'i has been included on the bench after only coming into the squad as injury cover.

"He's been great the last three weeks, he deserves his opportunity."

Robertson said it was important for the All Blacks to respect France.

"The French have used a lot of players and they're a proud opponent, it's going to be a hell of a week. So we've got the right combinations and balance for this group to respect them and put out a performance here in Hamilton."

He reiterated the philosophy that the team is trying to adhere to.

"We want to keep the ball in play, we want to keep our skills, but we also want to think on our feet. It's an imperfect game, things happen, situations happen, so you have to think quickly."

He expects the French will play the way they have done in the first two Tests.

"When they get their game going they are tough to play. Not too much will change for them. They'll have a good look at it and pick up a few areas like we do, look at what their strengths are and then go and play the game."

Love said representing the All Blacks on home soil with his family watching on from the stands was something he dreamed of as a youth.

The team environment was conducive to him feeling ready for his chance.

"When you're training and competing against Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan, you gain a lot of confidence being around them, talking to them off the field and training with them on it.

"So, there's no reason for me not to feel confident. I've been in this environment all of last year and have learned from the great coaches and players. This weekend, I've got experienced wings, and I've got Anton inside me. So, I've got to go out there, play my game and back myself.

"I feel I've done well under the high ball this year so with the French, and a lot of their kicking, I've got to make sure I'm adept when they put those kicks up."

Lienert-Brown said he feels ready to return, having completed four weeks of full training, and was looking forward to playing alongside several of his Chiefs teammates on their home ground.

"It's an opportunity for a lot of us, and it means a lot to play here.

"Quinn has had a great season. We all know his power game and what he can bring and I look forward to seeing him do that on Saturday night."

Not having played for three months, Lienert-Brown said he would be drawing on his 84-Test experience to be in the right place to contribute.

"I've been here before. I haven't played in three months, but I've been part of training mentally. I've got to trust that, and that's what I'll be leaning on this weekend."

LIVE on Sky Sport - Saturday 12 July:  All Blacks vs France, 19:05PM (NZST). The match is also available in selected territories on NZR+, learn more HERE.

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)  

1.  Ethan de Groot (31) 2.  Samisoni Taukei’aho (32) 3.  Tyrel Lomax (44) 4.  Patrick Tuipulotu (54) (Vice-Captain) 5.  Fabian Holland (2) 6.  Samipeni Finau (10) 7.  Ardie Savea (96) (Captain) 8.  Luke Jacobson (24) 9.  Cortez Ratima (13) 10. Damian McKenzie (63) 11. Rieko Ioane (83) 12. Quinn Tupaea (15) 13. Anton Lienert-Brown (84) 14. Sevu Reece (33) 15. Ruben Love (1)

IMPACT:16. Brodie McAlister * 17. George Bower (22) 18. Fletcher Newell (25)   19. Dalton Papali’i (36) 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (2) 21. Noah Hotham (1) 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (1) 23. Will Jordan (43) 

France (15-1):

Léo Barré, Théo Attissogbé, Nicolas Depoortère, Gaël Fickou (c), Gabin Villière, Atoine Hastoy, Nolan Le Garrec, Mickaël Guillard, Joshua Brennan, Alexandre Fischer, Matthias Halagahu, Hugo Auradou, Rabah Slimani, Pierre Bourgait, Baptiste Erdocio

IMPACT: Gaëtan Barlot, Paul Mallez, Demba Bamba, Romain Taofifénua, Killian Tixeront, Pierre Bochaton, Thibault Daubagna, Émilien Gailleton