New Zealand Vs France: All Blacks Name Holland In Starting XV

James

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Post on Jul 05, 2025

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New Zealand vs France: All Blacks Name Holland in Starting XV for Crucial Test

The All Blacks have sprung a surprise selection for their upcoming clash against France, naming Jordie Barrett at fullback and the experienced Beauden Barrett at fly-half, with the inclusion of versatile back-rower Shannon Frizell also making headlines. But arguably the biggest talking point is the inclusion of Sam Holland in the starting XV for the highly anticipated Rugby Championship match. This bold selection by coach Ian Foster has sent ripples through the rugby world, prompting intense speculation and analysis ahead of the crucial encounter.

The All Blacks, under pressure following recent defeats, are desperate for a win to bolster their confidence and maintain their position in the Rugby Championship. The selection of Holland, known for his powerful running and dynamic playmaking abilities, signifies a clear intention to adopt a more aggressive, attacking strategy against the formidable French side.

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<h3>Holland's Rise and the Impact on the All Blacks' Game Plan</h3>

Sam Holland's elevation to the starting XV is a testament to his consistent performance and rapid development within the All Blacks squad. His inclusion suggests a shift towards a more dynamic backline, emphasizing speed and offloading. While experienced campaigners like Rieko Ioane and Will Jordan provide potent attacking threats on the wings, Holland’s presence in the midfield adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the All Blacks' game plan. This selection could signal a move away from the more conservative strategies employed in previous matches.

The inclusion of both Barrett brothers also points to a desire for tactical flexibility. Beauden Barrett's experience at fly-half provides a solid foundation, allowing Jordie Barrett to focus on his defensive duties and counter-attacking capabilities at fullback. This pairing could prove crucial in controlling the tempo of the game and exploiting any defensive weaknesses in the French line.

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<h3>France's Response and the Expected Clash</h3>

France arrives in New Zealand with a formidable reputation and a powerful squad of their own. They boast a potent scrum, a robust defense, and an array of attacking threats. The French will undoubtedly be well-prepared for the All Blacks' new attacking approach, and a fierce battle is expected across the park. The match promises to be a classic encounter between two of the world’s leading rugby nations, with both teams looking to assert their dominance.

The selection of Holland represents a significant risk and reward scenario for the All Blacks. If it pays off, it could unlock a new level of attacking prowess. However, it also presents a potential vulnerability, leaving the All Blacks exposed should France manage to exploit the midfield.

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<h3>Key Matchups to Watch</h3>

• Holland vs. French Midfield: This will be a pivotal matchup, with Holland's dynamic playmaking skills tested against the robust French defense.
• Barrett Brothers' Synergy: The interplay between Beauden and Jordie Barrett will be critical to the All Blacks' attacking success.
• All Blacks Scrum vs. French Scrum: A battle of giants, the strength of both teams' scrums will play a crucial role in territory and possession.

The New Zealand vs. France clash promises to be a high-octane spectacle. The All Blacks’ selection of Sam Holland adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated match. Stay tuned for updates and live coverage of this crucial Rugby Championship encounter! [Link to live streaming/match highlights].

Keywords: New Zealand, All Blacks, France, Rugby Championship, Sam Holland, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Rugby, Rugby Union, Ian Foster, Starting XV, Team Selection, Sports News, Rugby News