All Blacks make 10 changes to the starting lineup for the third rugby test against France

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has made 10 changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s third rugby test against France, naming hooker Brodie McAlister to make his debut from the bench.

Robertson pledged to use every member of his squad in the three-test series and he kept that promise Thursday after making only minor changes between the first and second tests.

New Zealand holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and has regained the Dave Gallagher Trophy.

Damian McKenzie will start at flyhalf for the first time in the series, taking over from Beauden Barrett who started in the first two tests. He will combine in the halves for the first time this season with Cortez Ratima.

Robertson has selected a new midfield partnership with Quinn Tupaea returning to the starting lineup after a long injury break, combining with veteran Anton Lienert-Brown. Ruben Love will start for the first time at fullback, while Sevu Reece returns on the right wing after missing the second test with a head injury.

Captain Ardie Savea is the only player to remain in an overhauled backrow. Samipeni Finau comes in on the blindside flank and Luke Jacobson will start at No. 8.

Openside flanker Savea retains the captaincy in the absence of Scott Barrett who is one of several players unavailable through injury. Tupou Vaa'i, who made a successful transition from lock to flanker in the first two tests is, sidelined with a head knock.

Fabian Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu have been named in an unchanged second row while hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and prop Tyrel Lomax will start for the first time in the series.

Prop George Bower, backrower Dalton Papali'i and scrumhalf Noah Hotham come in on the bench.

Seven players in the squad have been selected in the match 23 for the first time this season, and McAlister will become the sixth player to debut for the All Blacks this year.

“There is high motivation and focus to perform in Hamilton this week," Robertson said. "We are prepared for a determined and spirited French side and excited to play in front of a passionate sold-out crowd.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tyrel, Luke, Anton and Sevu back from injury and, with 185 caps between them, we know that they will be ready to perform at the highest level. It is also exciting to have Brodie debuting, as well as Ruben, Noah and Timoci adding to their single All Blacks cap."

New Zealand: Ruben Love, Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (captain), Samipeni Finau, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali’i, Du Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Will Jordan.

AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby

New Zealand perform the haka ahead of the second rugby union international between the All Blacks and France in Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Kerry Marshall /Photosport via AP)

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reacts as he watches his players warm top ahead of the second rugby union international between New Zealand and France in Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Kerry Marshall /Photosport via AP)

New Zealand's Ardie Savea breaks a tackle as he makes a run during the second rugby union international between the All Blacks and France in Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Kerry Marshall /Photosport via AP)

New Zealand perform the haka ahead of the second rugby union international between the All Blacks and France in Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, July 12, 2025. (Kerry Marshall /Photosport via AP)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 30 points and seven assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the short-handed Golden State Warriors for a 131-94 win Friday night.

Stephen Curry sat out because of a left ankle sprain and backcourt mate Jimmy Butler became ill earlier in the day. Draymond Green rested, while Jonathan Kuminga missed the game with back soreness.

That left Steve Kerr's starting lineup as Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, Gui Santos and Quinten Post.

Kerr was optimistic Curry would play Saturday against the Jazz.

Gilgeous-Alexander shot 10 for 20 with three 3-pointers and converted all seven of his free throws for his seventh game in the last nine with 30 or more points — and now three straight. He had 38 points on 13-for-21 shooting with five 3-pointers in the last matchup against the Warriors.

Chet Holmgren contributed 15 points and a season-best 15 rebounds — two off his career high — as Oklahoma City (30-5) won a fourth straight following its first two-game skid of the season.

Richard had 13 points and five rebounds, Al Horford and Moody also scored 13 while Pat Spencer dished out 11 assists against the defending champion Thunder, who had lost their previous two road games but also won 124-112 at Golden State exactly a month earlier on Dec. 2.

Richard's 3-pointer with 7:19 left in the second quarter got Golden State within 38-36 before Oklahoma City answered with a 19-0 run to go ahead 64-45 at halftime.

The Warriors had won two straight, five of six and three in a row at home, where they are in a stretch with 10 of 11 at Chase Center.

Thunder: Visit Phoenix on Sunday.

Warriors: Host Utah on Saturday night to complete a back-to-back.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) shoots a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) dunks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (7) shoots while defended by Golden State Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis (32) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)