Dave Rennie springs a few surprises with first All Blacks team | Stuff.co.nz

Ruben Love is the big winner in the first All Blacks Test team of the year, named in the all-important number 10 jersey to face France in Christchurch on Saturday.⁠ ⁠ The Hurricanes playmaker will start ahead of the vastly experienced Beauden Barrett, with another option, Damien McKenzie, pushed to fullback. As a result, Will Jordan's on the right wing, a position he's only played a handful of times since the 2023 World Cup.⁠ ⁠ Meanwhile, Chiefs captain Luke Jacobsen's been preferred at openside flanker, with Peter Lakai given a rare start at six, with captain Ardie Savea starting at number eight.⁠ ⁠ There are two uncapped players in the reserves, with winger Fehi Fineangonofo and prop Xavier Numia poised for a test debut.⁠ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stuff NZ is New Zealand’s essential news source — bringing you live, lively and trustworthy journalism from every corner of Aotearoa. Stay informed with breaking news, in-depth stories, and the latest updates that matter to Kiwis. We upload daily, keeping you connected with the people, places and issues shaping New Zealand today. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Social media channels: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nzstuff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nzstuff