The New Zealand All Blacks host France Rugby for a three-test series starting on Saturday in Dunedin.
New Zealand return to action in 2025 after losing the Rugby Championship title to South Africa last September. However, they will be without their key back-rower, 2024 World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Wallace Sititi, who has been ruled out of the series due to an ankle injury.
With Sititi in the lineup, Ardie Savea was set to move back to openside flanker, a position he had excelled with Moana Pasifika during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. But his injury has disrupted those plans. Tamaiti Williams also misses the series due to a knee injury.
Meanwhile, France have once again sent a largely inexperienced squad for the tour with several senior players also being rested for the opener, following last weekend's Top 14 Championship final.
France have failed to field full-strength sides on these tours as it clashes with their domestic Rugby calendar. Consequently, the French have not beaten the All Blacks in New Zealand since 2009 and the losing streak is expected to continue on this tour as well.
The question now is not whether France can compete in the series but whether they can avoid a repeat of the humiliating defeats they suffered seven years ago. In 2018, the a weakened French side were crushed by the All Black in a brutal series whitewash with a 127-38 combined loss across the three tests.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match and kickoff time.
New Zealand All Blacks vs. France live stream, TV channel
Free-to-air channel: N/A
Live stream: Stan Sport
The New Zealand All Blacks vs. France match from the 2025 July Rugby Series can be streamed on Stan Sport.
What time does New Zealand All Blacks vs. France kick off?
The New Zealand All Blacks vs. France Rugby clash takes place at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand and kicks off on Saturday, Jul. 5 at 5:05 p.m. AEST.
New Zealand All Blacks vs. France 2025 July Series schedule
All times AEST
Saturday, July 5
- All Blacks vs France at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin (5:05 p.m.)
Saturday, July 12
- All Blacks vs France at Sky Stadium, Wellington (5:05 p.m.)
Saturday, July 19
- All Blacks vs France at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (5:05 p.m.)