Players to Watch: New Zealand v France

New Zealand and France face off in what should be a thrilling test series. The two sides will clash at Eden Park for the first of the three matches, a venue that New Zealand are particularly successful at. 

Luke Whitelock

Whitelock is not the flashiest All Black you will ever see but the 27-year-old is one of the hardest working loose forwards around.

The Highlanders man will fill the void left by the injured Kieran Read in the first test against France.

The level-headed no.8 is likely to end the match as the All Blacks top tackler and his leadership on the field will also offset the loss of Reid.

Morgan Parra

Parra returns to the national side having last featured in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. 

He slots in the starting lineup and will be up against one of the best in the business in Aaron Smith.

Parra needs no introduction and will look to provide young flyhalf Anthony Belleau with crisp passes and help with his pinpoint boot.

Jordie Barrett

All eyes will be on the three Barrett's this weekend with the brothers making history by all being named in the same starting XV.

Jordie is our pick of the brothers to keep an eye on, with the Hurricanes fullback making his second test start, with Ben Smith moving to the wing.

The 21-year-old has multiple skills that make him a perfect fit in the All Blacks squad. He is excellent in the air, has great distribution, a big boot and a superb offload. 

Mathieu Bastareaud

Bastareaud will lead France in the absence of Guilhem Guirado - who has been rested for the tour.

The 120kg+ centre was in stellar form during the 2018 6 Nations and will prove to be a difficult man to stop.

Bastareaud is not just threat on attack with his defence and breakdown work two other areas where he will test the All Blacks.

Ryan Crotty

Crotty has shifted into the 12 jersey following Sonny-Bill Williams' injury. 

The experienced centre will run the All Blacks defensive line and has the ability to put others in space.

He also pops up at the right place at the right time to finish off tries for the All Blacks, a skill France will be well aware of having scored against them late last year.

Fabien Sanconnie

The 23-year-old Fabien Sanconnie has been unfortunate with injuries over the past few seasons and will look to make his mark on the test side.

The exciting back rower is a real hard hitter and can comfortably play on the blindside and openside flank.  

His wide range of skills make him perfectly suited for test match rugby.