‘Try And See It From Our Perspective’ – All Blacks Great’s Blunt View On France’s Tour Controversy
The rugby world is abuzz with controversy as former All Blacks great Justin Marshall delivers a fiery critique of France’s approach to their 2025 tour of New Zealand. With tensions simmering, Marshall has openly called out the French Rugby Federation (FFR) for their decision to potentially send a weakened squad for the highly anticipated three-Test series.
The question on everyone’s mind: is this simply strategic squad management, or a lack of respect for one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries?
The uproar began when the FFR announced that players involved in the Top 14 final would not participate in the New Zealand tour. The reasoning? A long-term focus on preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. While this might make sense strategically, it hasn’t sat well with the All Blacks or their supporters.
New Zealand Rugby even issued a rare public statement expressing “surprise” at the decision, which they see as a blow to the integrity of the series.
To make matters more contentious, France also declined the opportunity to play one of the Tests in the USA, forcing all three matches to be hosted in New Zealand.
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