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2025 Winter Internationals
New Zealand v France
Forsyth Barr Stadium
Dunedin, New Zealand
Saturday, 5 July 2025
Kick-off is at 09h05 CAT
New Zealand will be seeking their first win over France since 2018 when the two teams clash at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, July 5. The All Blacks have dominated this fixture down the years, winning 48 of their 64 meetings, although Les Bleus have enjoyed some sustained success recently.
Steve Hansen was the last New Zealand coach to beat France (49-14) on 23 June 2018, also in Dunedin, with Ian Foster overseeing successive defeats in 2021 and 2023 - both in Saint-Denis - while Scott Robertson also lost on French soil last year. Robertson didn't have the best of starts to his tenure after taking over the reins from Foster in January 2024, winning just three of his six matches in the Rugby Championship as the defending champions were dethroned by South Africa.
The All Blacks head coach believes he's learned the lessons from his first year at the helm and has focused on trying to finish teams off - something they struggled with in 2024.
"Last year we had 10 days going into that first Test [against England] and there was a lot to download. You learn on your feet, you make decisions and sometimes you're a little conservative because of the test in front of you," Robertson told the Sunday Star-Times.
"As a management and coaching group we understand experience counts, but you've still got to be hungry: how can we be better? That's what we've focused on over this period.
"You know our DNA is to play, and we created more opportunities than any team in world rugby last year. We just didn't finish them.
"We put ourselves in a lot of positions to win big Tests. We led every team - but we didn't finish every team. So, how do we keep creating, but get better at finishing?"
France were crowned Six Nations champions for a record 19th time in March after winning four of their five games to pip England by one point in the standings.
Their solitary defeat (26-25) came against the English and full-back Thomas Ramos finished the competition as top scorer with 71 points, while winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey scored the most tries (8).
Les Bleus head coach Fabien Galthie is missing several key players for the three-test series in New Zealand due to an between the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and National Rugby League (LNR), but has challenged the touring party to make a name for themselves.
"Of course. This tour is the toughest we've ever played with this French team, so I send this message to each of the selected players: We have a challenge that seems impossible. Do you want to be part of it?" Galthie told Midi Olympique.
"I think it's a great way to start a story. The depth of the French squad, and the work done by the 42 players throughout the season, allows us to present a competitive French team, even with a few absentees."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 64
New Zealand wins - 48
France wins - 15
Draws - 1
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