Two titans of the rugby world square off once again in Wellington, as an experimental French XV looks to pull off a statement win on New Zealand soil.
The All Blacks edged out France 31-27 in Dunedin, but the narrow victory left more questions than answers, particularly for the home side. France, fielding a debutant at fly-half and far from full strength, still managed to expose glaring flaws in New Zealand’s game plan.
Rather than rising to the occasion with classic Test-match intensity, the All Blacks played like it was another round of Super Rugby despite having seasoned internationals like Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie running the show, with nearly 200 caps between them.
France dominated the aerial battle and dictated the tempo at key moments, making the All Blacks look flat-footed and directionless, an increasingly familiar sight under Scott Robertson’s reign. Saturday’s rematch will demand a serious lift in execution, especially at the breakdown, where New Zealand were physically second-best in the first encounter.
Robertson has rung in three changes for the second Test. With Scott Barrett sidelined, Ardie Savea steps up as captain, while Patrick Tuipulotu takes over in the second row. Caleb Clarke replaces Sevu Reece on the wing, after Reece was forced off early in Dunedin due to a head knock.
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
Here's how to watch the New Zealand All Blacks vs. France in the US:
Free-to-air channel: N/A
Live stream: Flo Rugby
The New Zealand All Blacks vs. France match from the 2025 July Rugby Series can be streamed in the U.S. on Flo Rugby.
What time does the New Zealand All Blacks vs. France kick off?
The New Zealand All Blacks vs. France Rugby clash takes place at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand and kicks off on Saturday, July 12 at 7:05 p.m. local time.
Here's how that start time translates across the US:
| Date | Start time | |
| Eastern Time | Saturday, July 12 | 3:05 a.m. |
| Central Time | Saturday, July 12 | 2:05 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Saturday, July 12 | 1:05 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Saturday, July 12 | 12:05 a.m. |
New Zealand All Blacks vs. France 2025 July Series schedule
All times ET
Saturday, July 12
All Blacks vs France at Sky Stadium, Wellington (3:05 a.m.)
Saturday, July 19
All Blacks vs France at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton (3:05 a.m.)