New Zealand v France:France named an inexperienced side yesterday for the first Test against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday, with five players in the starting line-up set to make their debuts.
Coach Bernard Laporte was denied the services of players from Toulouse, Biarritz, Clermont Auvergne and Stade Français because of the French championship has yet to conclude, and there will also be five uncapped players on the Eden Park bench.
Scrumhalf Nicolas Durand, winger Benjamin Thiéry and centre Arnaud Mignardi are the new faces in the backs, with Gregory Le Corvec starting at blindside flanker and Julien Pierre alongside skipper Pascal Papé in the second row.
Fullback Thomas Castaignède, flanker Olivier Magne and prop Christian Califano provide much-needed experience.
Hooker Raphael Ibanez and centre/wing Ludovic Valbon are the only two of the replacements to have played internationals.
The clash of schedules and injuries to key players meant Laporte selected 14 uncapped players in his 26-man squad.
FRANCE (v New Zealand, Auckland, Saturday): T Castaignède, J Laharrague, A Mignardi, J Grandclaude, B Thiéry; B Boyet, N Durand; C Califano, S Bruno, N Mas; P Papé (capt), J Pierre; G Le Covec, O Magne, S Chabal. Replacements: R Ibanez, F Montanella, O Olibeau, D Chouly, M Forest, N Laharrague, L Valbon.
