France to play in city in opening test of 2025

All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo tries to evade French fullback Benjamin Fall during the test in Dunedin in 2018. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

Exactly how close Dunedin came to hosting two All Blacks tests in the same year for the first time may never be known.

It always seemed on the fanciful side that New Zealand Rugby would allocate two tests to the South in 2025, and so it proved when the schedule was released yesterday.

The open secret of Dunedin getting one of the three tests against France was confirmed with news Forsyth Barr Stadium would have a test between the All Blacks and Les Bleus on Saturday, July 5.

That was predictably the extent of Dunedin’s involvement in the international rugby calendar.

While a Dunedin City Holdings Ltd quarterly report in September referred to "a bid for a second test match", it would have been an almighty shock had NZR brought two internationals to one of its smallest test venues and the city with the most limited infrastructure on the calendar.

Dunedin Venues Management Ltd is happy to focus on the positive side of the schedule announcement by NZR.

Competition for plum fixtures will get fiercer when Christchurch’s fancy new stadium opens next year, and securing an All Blacks test is still a big deal as it pumps millions into the city’s economy.

"Regarding the bid for two All Blacks tests in Dunedin, DVML was open to exploring all possibilities, as we do with every opportunity — but ultimately the final decision rests with New Zealand Rugby," DVML commercial manager Rachael Jenkins said.

"We are delighted to be hosting the All Blacks test match on July 5 and will once again put on a great event to ensure we are considered for future opportunities."

It will be just the third time the All Blacks have played France in Dunedin.

France won the first clash in the city, beating the All Blacks 27-22 at Carisbrook in 2009, but the All Blacks had their revenge at Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2018, winning 49-14.

The good news is that the All Blacks will again open their 2025 campaign in Dunedin, as they did this year, when Scott Robertson made his test coaching debut against England.

But there is also no escaping the reality that France have made no secret of their plans to rest many of their best players for the New Zealand tour.

Antoine Dupont might be acclaimed as the world’s best rugby player but it will be a shame if he does not get a chance to really enhance his reputation by chasing a series win in New Zealand.

Nevertheless, the All Blacks remain the greatest drawcard to fans, and it is unlikely the Dunedin test — even if it ends up being against a weakened French side — will have any issues selling out.

The other France tests — NZR wanted to take one to the US, but France said "non" — follow in Wellington and Hamilton.

The Wellington test will be part of a double-header and will follow the Black Ferns’ defence of the O’Reilly Cup against Australia, while the Hamilton test will mark the first appearance by the French in that city since their inaugural tour in 1961.

The All Blacks have three other tests at home.

They are back in Wellington for a Rugby Championship test against the Springboks on September 13, and finish the domestic campaign with a rare 5.05pm Bledisloe Cup test against Australia on September 27.

Before that comes the most anticipated home test in years.

The All Blacks will put their 30-year unbeaten record at Eden Park on the line when they play the world champion Springboks in Auckland on September 6.

It will be the first time the All Blacks have played the Boks at the fortress, where they are unbeaten in a staggering 50 tests, since 2013.

“Playing at home and representing your country in front of New Zealanders is always special and especially so against three of our most traditional rivals," All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.

"France, South Africa and Australia will each bring unique challenges and that’s exciting for us as we continue to build our game in 2025.”

As well as the test against the Wallaroos, the Black Ferns get a couple of key opportunities to prepare for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

They play world No 2 Canada in Christchurch on May 17 and the United States on the North Shore a week later as part of the Pacific Four Series.

“It’s a huge year for the Black Ferns with the Rugby World Cup and the 2025 schedule is a chance for fans across the country to get behind the team as they prepare to win their title in England," NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said.

Fans can register for pre-sale for all nine tests now. Early-bird ticket sales start on March 12 for Black Ferns tickets, followed by general public sale for All Blacks-France tests (March 26) and Rugby Championship tests (May 7).