All Blacks roll the dice with 10 changes for third France Test

Robertson stayed true to his pre-series pledge to give game time to every fit player in his initial squad, rolling the dice for Saturday's clash in Hamilton.

A host of players involved in last week's 43-17 second Test victory in Wellington have been omitted, desite finding some rhythm after a tense series-opener was won 31-27 in Dunedin.

Hooker Brodie McAlister is poised to make his Test debut from the bench while fullback Ruben Love will make a first start, having notched a lone cap as a replacement against Japan last year.

Love and McAlister are among eight players who played no part in the first two Tests against a weakened French squad who are resting most of their first-choice players.

Only wing Rieko Ioane is retained from last week's starting back line.

Robertson earned a reputation for making few unnecessary changes during his maiden season in charge last year.

However, with the series sewn up, he wanted to take a step towards building player depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

"When the chances come up, you can't not play them, you've got to get them out there," Robertson told reporters on Thursday.

"It's the ability to trust the young fellas, set them up to be successful and off you go.

"It was really important to us to look at this next team respectfully.

"Obviously, the French have used a lot of players and they're a fierce opponent, and they're a proud opponent and it's going to be a hell of a week."

Robertson took some comfort that three of the promoted starting players -- prop Tyrel Lomax, fly-half Damian McKenzie and midfield back Anton Lienert-Brown -- have all played more than 50 Tests.

Instinctive playmaker McKenzie is among seven starters who play for Super Rugby team the Waikato Chiefs, whose home ground is Hamilton.

McKenzie replaces 136-Test veteran Beauden Barrett, who suffered a hand injury at training which requires a scan. Robertson said he believed the injury was minor.

Ardie Savea has been named captain for a second straight match in the absence of regular skipper Scott Barrett, who injured a calf muscle in the first Test.

France coach Fabien Galthie is expected also to significantly change his team, to be announced later on Thursday.

New Zealand (15-1):

Ruben Love; Sevu Reece, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rieko Ioane; Damian McKenzie, Cortez Ratima; Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea (capt), Samipeni Finau; Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu; Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Brodie McAlister, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Dalton Papali'i, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Will Jordan.

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