All Blacks coach Scott Robertson says he is expecting France to bring a near full-strength team for their three-Test tour of New Zealand in July – including star backs Romain Ntamack and Damian Penaud – but his French counterpart Fabien Galthié is less optimistic.
There was a surge of excitement from the French players towards the tour following France’s recent Six Nations victory, but they are likely to have little say over their travel plans due to the demands of the Top 14 club competition and the French Rugby Federation’s rest policies.
France last year announced players who compete for teams in Top 14 finals will not be selected for July Tests in 2025 and 2026. The Top 14 final takes place on June 28. The opening Test between the All Blacks and France is on July 5 in Dunedin.
Adding to the positive vibe was Robertson's recent comments on a Rugby Direct podcast but they may be a case of wishful thinking.
“I don't have a firm position, but we have defined a player management policy based on the existing schedule,” Galthié told L’Equipe overnight.
“The international players have played about 20 matches since the start of the season. They can finish it at 35 if they play all of them. World Rugby recommends a season of 2000 minutes maximum. Beyond that, with connected [smart] mouthguards, we know there are contacts that put players' health at risk. I'm willing to take players who have played 35 matches, but that's short-sighted.”
Up to 21 players from France’s Six Nations squad are in danger of missing the tour as their clubs are in the frame to make the finals. The top six clubs go to the playoffs. Thirteen France internationals represent current Top 14 leaders Toulouse.
Ntamack told L’Equipe after his nation’s Six Nations win that he was keen to make the trip for the first time. His father, Emile, played in the famous 1994 tour which included a come-from-behind victory over the All Blacks at Eden Park - the last time New Zealand have lost there.
"I don’t really know yet what is possible or not, whether the finalists will be allowed to go to New Zealand," Ntamack, who plays for Toulouse, said.
"Maybe an exception will be made depending on the tour because it’s quite an exceptional opportunity to play in New Zealand. Final or no final, if I have to go, it will be with pleasure.
“A tour in New Zealand is a truly unique experience. It’s my dream to play there. If I have the chance to go, even if the club is in the final, it will obviously be with pleasure."
But Galthié said: “I said to Romain: ‘We'll see how many minutes you'll be able to finish the season, what condition your knee is in, and above all, what recovery period you'll have afterward...’
France’s inspirational skipper Antoine Dupont has already been ruled out with a knee injury suffered in Dublin recently.
However, there are many other star attractions in the squad, including 21-year-old wing sensation Louis Bielle-Biarrey who scored six tries in the recent Six Nations – a tournament record.
Unfortunately, Bielle-Biarrey plays for Bordeaux and is therefore another doubtful starter for the New Zealand tour.
Even the potential benefits of preparing for the conditions Down Under ahead of the 2027 World Cup in Australia is unlikely to dissuade Galthié.
He said: “If we find a solution, we can think about it. Otherwise, frankly, if it's to deteriorate physically, putting us in danger until 2027, it's of no interest. If the players come with too many minutes already played and don't have a recovery period after, I've lost them for the World Cup.”
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