After the refusal of the French Rugby Federation to play one of the three tests in July 2025 against the All blacks in the United States, the matches will take place in New Zealand, in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, the new New Zealand federation confirmed Monday.
The first match will take place on 5 July 2025 at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in dunedin, where the last French tour of New Zealand ended in 2018 (French defeat 49-14).
The second Test match will take place in Wellington on 12 July, and the last a week later in Hamilton, where the French XV have never faced the Blacks, the last visit being in 1961 against a local team.
no match at Eden Park
The Blues, who remain on a three-match winning streak against the New zealanders, will not play at Auckland’s legendary Eden Park, where they won the 1994 tour after winning the first Test in Christchurch.
New Zealand, beaten by the Blues 30-29 this autumn at the Stade de France, and welcoming the Blues to tour in the summer of 2025, wanted to play the last of three scheduled Test matches in the United States, which had already faced Fiji last July in San Diego or against Ireland in 2016 in Chicago.
The FFR rejected this proposal last week, in the name of “the health of the players”, according to its president Florian Grill, citing in particular the double time difference.
Players participating in the Top 14 final, which will take place on June 28, 2025, will not take part in the tour. Some Blues managers will also be rested even if they will not play in the final.
How will the change in match venues from the U.S. to New Zealand impact the All Blacks’ performance?
Interview with rugby Expert: The Implications of France’s Refusal to Play the All Blacks in the U.S.
Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent declaration regarding the July 2025 Test matches between France and the All Blacks. Can you shed some light on the decision made by the French Rugby Federation (FFR) to refuse playing in the United States?
Expert: Absolutely, it’s a significant decision.The FFR’s refusal is primarily rooted in concerns over player health and well-being, notably the impact of the double time difference on performance and recovery. president Florian Grill emphasized this, stating that thay want to prioritize the athletes’ welfare.
Editor: That makes sense. With the matches now set to take place in new Zealand, what should fans expect from these games, especially in Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton?
Expert: Fans can expect a thrilling series of matches! The first test will be at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, a site where France faced a tough loss in 2018. The second match is scheduled for Wellington, followed by the last in hamilton—historically significant as France has never played the all Blacks there. This creates an exciting atmosphere as both teams are eager to perform well.
Editor: How do you think this change in venue affects the dynamics of the matches?
Expert: Playing in New Zealand provides the All Blacks with a significant home advantage. These matches will be fierce, with the home crowd boosting morale. The French team will face an uphill battle, coming off a previous tough defeat and knowing they haven’t yet claimed victory in Hamilton. It’s a chance for them to showcase their growth and strategy against one of rugby’s powerhouses.
Editor: There has been some talk about the decision to not host a game at Eden Park. Can you explain why that venue was skipped and its implications?
Expert: Eden Park is iconic and has a rich rugby history. Though, New Zealand chose to move the matches, perhaps to diversify the locations and give fans in Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton the chance to experience high-stakes international rugby. This decision enhances regional engagement and promotes the sport across New Zealand, but it also means the All Blacks relinquish a traditionally strong home ground.
Editor: With the scheduling complications, considering the players’ commitments to the Top 14 final just a week before these Tests, what are the potential impacts on team performance?
Expert: The timing is indeed tricky. Players involved in the Top 14 final will miss these tours, which could lead to a significant impact on team composition and chemistry. Moreover, some management will also rest players, so fans should prepare for a lineup that may not be the customary first choice. This raises questions about cohesion and readiness, as the team might potentially be less familiar with each other in high-pressure games.
Editor: What advice would you give to both fans and aspiring players regarding the upcoming series and its implications?
Expert: Fans should immerse themselves in the excitement leading up to these matches. It’s an opportunity to witness how teams adjust to unexpected challenges. For aspiring players, the key takeaway is to understand the importance of preparation and adaptability in high-stakes situations. Following how both teams navigate through these complexities will provide invaluable insights into professional rugby at the highest level.
Editor: thank you for your expert insights! As we anticipate the Test matches in July 2025, the discussions around player health, venue dynamics, and team strategies will surely keep rugby fans engaged.
Expert: My pleasure! The landscape of rugby continues to evolve, and these matches will undoubtedly shape future conversations about the sport. It’s an exciting time for rugby enthusiasts!
