Scott Robertson has named his team to play France in the penultimate test of his opening season in charge of the All Blacks, opting for Beauden Barrett to wear the No 10 jersey as Damien McKenzie – who impressed against Ireland last week – moving to the bench. 

Veteran hooker Codie Taylor also returns from injury, meaning Asafo Aumua – another top performer in Dublin – drops to the bench. 

The other major selection change sees  Samipeni Finau replacing Sam Cane as the veteran openside flanker is out with concussion concerns following the Irish test. Finau will run at blindside flanker, with Wallace Sititi dropping into his preferred No 8 role and vice-captain Ardie Savea moving to the openside. 

On the wing, Sevu Reece returns to the starting line up for Mark Tele’a, who has a hand injury, while Cam Roigard gets the nod ahead of Cortez Ratima at halfback. 

All Blacks side to play France: 

1.  Tamaiti Williams (17 caps); 2.   Codie Taylor (93); 3. Tyrel Lomax (42); 4. Scott Barrett (78) (captain); 5. Tupou Vaa’i (36); 6. Samipeni Finau (7); 7. Ardie Savea (92) (vice-captain); 8. Wallace Sititi (8); 9. Cam Roigard (8); 10. Beauden Barrett (132); 11. Caleb Clarke (27); 12. Jordie Barrett (67) (vice-captain); 13. Rieko Ioane (79); 14. Sevu Reece (31); 15. Will Jordan (39) 

Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (18); 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi (66); 18. Pasilio Tosi (6); 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (49); 20. Peter Lakai (1); 21.  Cortez Ratima (10); 22. Anton Lienert-Brown (82); 23.  Damian McKenzie (60) 

In a media release, All Blacks management said: 

There are five personnel changes to the starting fifteen this week, including the return of hooker Codie Taylor and first five-eighth Beauden Barrett following the successful completion of HIA assessment protocols. Asafo Aumua and Damian McKenzie will be ready to make an impact off the bench. 

A head injury to Sam Cane in the Ireland match has resulted in a rejigged loose-forward trio: Samipeni Finau comes in at blindside, Ardie Savea shifts to openside and Wallace Sititi will play at number 8. Peter Lakai will provide loose-forward cover with the opportunity to notch up his second All Blacks cap. 

Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima will again share the halfback duties, with Roigard in the starting jersey this week. 

Robertson said playing for the Dave Gallaher Trophy provided plenty of inspiration for the team. 

“It has been special to be here in Paris during Armistice Day. We have honoured those commemorations as a team and also acknowledged the significance of the Dave Gallaher Trophy, named after one of our greatest All Black Captains who led the ‘Originals’ in the first ever Test match against France, and lost his life 11 years later in World War I. This is a trophy we would love to hold, and the players are prepared to take their opportunity in Paris this Saturday night.” 

Other players unavailable due to injury were Sam Darry (knee), Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (upper hamstring). 

France team to play All Blacks 

Matthieu Jalibert reportedly told French coach Fabien Galthié not to pick him on the bench after missing out on a starting spot to face the All Blacks. 

Thomas Ramos will start at first five-eighth from his usual position at 15, alongside halfback Antoine Dupont. Jalibert was on the bench against Japan was according to reports, didn’t want to face the All Blacks from the bench. 

“Everyone has their own emotions and is free to share them,” Galthié said. “We need determination, strong players. Up until now he’s always given his best. He will continue with the national team, if he so chooses. It’s down to him to decide.” 

Bordeaux’s Romain Buros will make his debut at fullback as part of four changes to the side that defeated Japan last weekend. Gabin Villiere comes in on the wing, Gael Fickou returns to the squad at 13 with Paul Boudehent inserted to the loosehead flank. 

Galthie named a 6-2 split on the bench. 

France: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Tevita Tatafu, 4 Thibaud Flament, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 6 Paul Boudehent, 7 Alexandre Roumat, 8 Gregory Aldritt, 9 Antoine Dupont, 10 Thomas Ramos, 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey,12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Gael Fickou, 14 Gabin Villiere, 15 Romain Buros Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Reda Wardi, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Romain Taofifenua, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Charles Ollivon, 22 Nolann le Garrec, 23 Emilen Gailleton 

The match will be played at 9.10am, Sunday (NZT). 

All Blacks v France, Sunday 9.10am – live commentary on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio. Live match blog at nzherald.co.nz