All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes has rejected suggestions that France is fielding a second-string side for Saturday's test in Christchurch, despite the visitors resting nine players from the Top 14 final.
France has left star players Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Antoine Dupont at home, with Dupont having received criticism for frequent absences from New Zealand tours. But Barnes said the quality of France's squad depth meant the touring party remained formidable.
"I'm not buying into this rubbish that they're bringing over a B team or anything like that," Barnes said. "They are one of the best teams in the world, they'll bring everything. They've got great depth in that country, and we've got to applaud what they've created."
The match will be the All Blacks' first test of the year, with new coach Dave Rennie leading his first full week of camp. Barnes said the short preparation time would not be accepted as an excuse for a substandard performance. "Rust can be an issue, but we have the All Blacks standards to live up to so it's been all go," he said.
All Blacks first-five Damian McKenzie said France's squad had sufficient talent to pose a serious threat, highlighting the danger posed by Matthieu Jalibert at first-five. "They've got some very exciting players, (Matthieu) Jalibert at 10, he's an exciting player, and they like to play an expensive game of rugby," McKenzie said.
Barnes said Rennie had introduced a simplified coaching approach focused on clarity and player ownership, and promised the All Blacks pack would match France physically. "We won't be playing second to anyone in that field," he said.
The test kicks off at 7:05pm on 4 July 2026 at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch.