The inaugural Nations Championship begins with one of rugby's premier rivalries as France Rugby travels to Christchurch to take on New Zealand at 3:10 a.m. on July 4.
Few international fixtures carry the history and prestige of Les Bleus against the All Blacks. From unforgettable Rugby World Cup clashes to dramatic November tests, these two nations have consistently produced some of the sport's most memorable matches.
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This year's meeting carries even more significance. It marks the opening match of the new Nations Championship, introduces a new era for the All Blacks under head coach Dave Rennie and sees a youthful France squad attempt to overcome the absence of several of its biggest stars.
Before kickoff in Christchurch, here are five things to know about France Rugby vs. New Zealand.
France Rugby Is Missing Several Of Its Biggest Stars
France will not have many of the players who helped establish it as one of the world's elite teams over the past few seasons.
Fabien Galthié's touring squad does not include superstar scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, fly-half Romain Ntamack, fullback Thomas Ramos, No. 8 Grégory Alldritt or winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
Many of the absences are the result of player workload following the lengthy Top 14 season.
The missing stars mean France will rely on a younger group against one of the toughest road opponents in international rugby.
France Rugby vs. New Zealand Opens The Inaugural Nations Championship
Saturday's test is more than a traditional July international.
France and New Zealand will officially launch the inaugural Nations Championship, rugby's new global competition that replaces standalone summer tours with meaningful cross-hemisphere fixtures.
Every July and November test now counts toward the overall tournament standings, with the top teams advancing to the Nations Championship Finals later this year.
The added stakes make one of rugby's biggest rivalries even more significant.
Dave Rennie Coaches His First Match For The All Blacks
A new era begins for the All Blacks.
Saturday will be Dave Rennie's first test match as All Blacks head coach after taking over one of rugby's most prestigious jobs.
Rennie, who won the Japan Rugby League One title in May with the Steelers, has entrusted Ardie Savea with the captaincy while handing Ruben Love his first international start at fly-half. The squad also could feature debutants Xavier Numia and Fehi Fineanganofo, giving fans an early glimpse of the next generation of All Blacks talent.
With one of the sport's most recognizable teams entering a new chapter, all eyes will be on how Rennie's side performs in its competitive debut.
New Zealand Has Dominated The All-Time Rivalry
History favors the All Blacks by a wide margin.
New Zealand has won 51 of the previous 67 test matches against France. Les Bleus have earned 15 victories, while one match finished in a draw.
Playing in New Zealand has proven especially difficult for France, which has defeated the All Blacks only four times on New Zealand soil.
Those numbers underscore the challenge facing the visitors in Christchurch.
Recent France Rugby vs. All Blacks Matches Have Been Much Closer
The historical record tells only part of the story.
While New Zealand owns the overall rivalry, the gap has narrowed considerably in recent seasons. The All Blacks have won three of the past five meetings, while France has claimed two victories, including a dramatic 30-29 win in Paris in November 2024.
Another interesting trend has emerged as well. The home side has won each of the previous five meetings between the nations, making home-field advantage one of the biggest factors entering Saturday's opener.
France may be missing several stars, but recent history suggests Les Bleus are capable of pushing the All Blacks much harder than the all-time series record might indicate.
How To Watch Every Match Of The 2026 Nations Championship
Every match of the 2026 Nations Championship will stream live in the United States on RugbyPass TV, World Rugby's streaming platform.
How To Watch Every Match Of The 2026 Nations Championship
Every match of the 2026 Nations Championship will stream live in the United States on RugbyPass TV, World Rugby's streaming platform.
World Rugby Rankings On July 1, 2026
- South Africa — 93.94
- New Zealand — 90.33
- Ireland — 89.07
- France — 87.46
- Argentina — 84.97
- England — 83.91
- Scotland — 82.90
- Australia — 81.53
- Fiji — 81.14
- Italy — 79.64
- Wales — 75.07
- Japan — 74.09
- Georgia — 71.94
- Portugal — 69.64
- Uruguay — 69.19
- USA — 68.26
- Spain — 67.51
- Chile — 66.72
- Tonga — 66.66
- Samoa — 66.43
- Belgium — 61.03
- Romania — 60.67
- Hong Kong China — 59.61
- Zimbabwe — 58.80
- Canada — 58.75
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