Ian Foster’s choice for his Paris debut, Geordie Barrett is definitely out
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster – tel.-AFP
Ian Foster lifted the curtain on the first New Zealand FIFA World Cup 2023. The All Blacks are gearing up to take to the Stade de France in Paris with their best squad.
Group A’s first game will see the long-awaited showdown between the two teams that are candidates for ultimate victory, where all blacks will have to prove they haven’t accumulated too much scum since their last defeat to South Africa.
Since the last match at Twickenham, the squad has changed 4 players in the starting line-up. Nepo Laulala replaces Tyrell Lomax, Cody Taylor replaces Dan Cowles, Dalton Papalia replaces Luke Jacobson and Anton Leenert Brown takes the number 12 jersey from Geordie Barrett.
The rest of the team, with the exception of the injured (probably soon to recover) Lomax and Barrett, follow Foster’s preferred pattern quite faithfully.
Rugby World Cup 2023: New Zealand squad to face France
As for the bench, there will be 5 forwards and 3 defenders. Samisoni Taukeyaho takes the place of Dan Cowles, who was not called up in the 23rd, and midfielder Finley Christie undermines Cameron Roygard, despite the latter having spent a good part of the match in London.
Leicester’s Faingaanuku and David Havili occupy the other two spots in defense and make up a group of top-level strikers.
READ ALSO: Rugby World Cup 2023: France line-up for debut match against New Zealand
“I am honored to play in the first leg of the 2023 Rugby World Cup,” said Ian Foster, adding: “What makes it even more special is playing against a host nation that is a very proud and healthy team. World Championships are different. The initial goal is to reach the quarter-finals, and for this we need to achieve a result in the group stage.
All Blacks for the opening match:
1. Ethan de Groot
2 Cody Taylor
3. Nepo Laulala
4. Sam Whitelock
5. Scott Barrett
6. Dalton Papalia
7. Sam Kane (Captain)
8. Ardy Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mounga
11. Mark Telea
12. Anton Linert-Brown
13. Rieko Yoane
14. Will Jordan
15. Boden Barrett
Substitutions
16. Samisoni Taukeyaho
17. Ofa Tuungafassi
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Tupou Waai
20. Luke Jacobson
21. Finley Christie
22. David Havil
23. Lester Faingaanuku
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