New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has named a 33-man squad, captained by lock Scott Barrett, for next month’s three-Test series against France. The group features five uncapped players as the All Blacks begin a new cycle under the recently appointed coach. Experienced forwards Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and utility back David Havili were notable omissions when the squad was announced on 23 June. Robertson’s plans were disrupted three days later when No. 8 Wallace Sititi, World Rugby’s 2024 Breakthrough Player of the Year, was ruled out with a high-ankle injury that requires surgery. Uncapped loose forward Christian Lio-Willie has been promoted to the main squad, while Papali’i has been summoned as additional cover. The All Blacks host France in Dunedin on 5 July, with subsequent Tests scheduled for Wellington and Hamilton. The campaign is Robertson’s first in charge and France’s first visit to New Zealand since 2022.