All Blacks vs France 2025: TV, Times & Venues

There’s something about a French rugby tour of New Zealand that always feels a little different — a mix of flair, tension, and the weight of history. The 2025 Lipovitan-D July Series was no exception, with Fabien Galthié’s Les Bleus pushing Scott Robertson’s All Blacks across three Test matches in July. Whether you’re planning to watch from the stands or the sofa, here’s everything you need to know about the series, from kick‑off times to the controversial moments that decided it.

Test matches: 3 ·
First Test: 5 July 2025, 7:05pm NZST ·
Venues: Dunedin, Wellington, Hamilton ·
France captain: Gaël Fickou ·
All Blacks head coach: Scott Robertson

The series schedule and key details are summarised in the table below.

Where can I watch All Blacks vs France on TV?

TV channels broadcasting the match

• In New Zealand, all three Tests were broadcast live on Sky Sport (Sky New Zealand – official sports subscriber service).
• In France, beIN Sports held exclusive rights (beIN Sports France – rugby coverage).
• International audiences could access matches via local rights‑holders: Stan Sport in Australia, Peacock in the United States, and various broadcast partners across Europe and Asia.

Streaming options

• Official streaming for New Zealand viewers: NZR+ (subscription service offering live and on‑demand matches, NZ Rugby’s official streaming platform) and Sky Sport Now.
• French viewers could stream via beIN Sports Connect.
• Check local broadcasters for blackout restrictions; some free‑to‑air coverage may have been available for specific Tests depending on regional deal.

Bottom line: Sky Sport (NZ) and beIN Sports (France) were the primary rights‑holders. For cord‑cutters, NZR+ and beIN Sports Connect offered direct streaming. The catch: international free‑to‑air availability varied, so verify your local carrier before kick‑off.

What time is New Zealand vs France?

Kick‑off times by timezone

All three Tests kicked off at 7:05pm local NZ time (19:05 NZST). Below are the equivalent times for major timezones.

The pattern: all three Tests at the same local slot meant early‑morning viewing for North America and a reasonable morning in Europe. For fans in Australia (AEST), that’s 17:05 (5:05pm) – perfect for a Saturday evening.

Where is the All Blacks vs France being played?

Venue for each test

• First Test (5 July): Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – an indoor stadium with a fixed roof, seating approximately 30,000 spectators.
• Second Test (12 July): Sky Stadium, Wellington – capacity about 34,500. This match was part of a double‑header with the Black Ferns playing Australia at 4:30pm (New Zealand Rugby – double‑header schedule).
• Third Test (19 July): FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton – capacity around 25,800. This venue replaced the originally speculated Christchurch option in the final schedule.

The implication: the roof in Dunedin guaranteed a controlled environment, while Wellington’s double‑header offered a festival atmosphere. Hamilton’s smaller ground meant a more intimate Test for the series finale.

Why did France get a last minute penalty?

Match incident details

The closest match of the series was the first Test in Dunedin, where France pushed the All Blacks to the final whistle. According to match reports, a late penalty was awarded to France after a high‑tackle call inside the All Blacks’ half. The penalty allowed France to kick for touch and set up a lineout drive that nearly produced a try, but the All Blacks held on to win 31–27 (All Blacks – official match summary). The exact nature of the infringement has been debated, but video review showed a tackle that contacted the head area.

Referee decision

While official referee appointments for each Test were not published at the time of writing, the decision was consistent with World Rugby’s high‑tackle framework. The penalty gave France field position and a chance to snatch the win, but the All Blacks’ defense held firm. The incident did not recur in the second or third Tests, which were more one‑sided affairs.

Bottom line: The last‑minute penalty in Dunedin was a high‑tackle call that gave France one final opportunity. It didn’t change the result, but it highlighted how close the series might have been on another day.

Can I watch the All Blacks without Sky?

Alternative streaming services

• NZR+ (the official All Blacks and Black Ferns streaming service) carried every Test live and on demand. A subscription was required (NZR+ official site).
• Free‑to‑air options: TVNZ held rights for some Black Ferns matches in 2025, but no free‑to‑air broadcaster in New Zealand covered the All Blacks Tests. New Zealand viewers needed either Sky or NZR+.
• International: In Australia, Stan Sport streamed the series; in the US, Peacock; in France, beIN Sports Connect. In the UK, TNT Sports (now owned by Warner Bros. Discovery) typically holds rights for All Blacks Tests involving northern‑hemisphere teams; check local listings.

What this means: for Kiwis without Sky, NZR+ was the only legal alternative. The trade‑off: no cable, but you need a reliable internet connection and a subscription fee.

Series summary – what it means for 2026 and beyond

For Scott Robertson, the 3–0 scoreline masks the fact that France came within a penalty goal of taking the first Test. Galthié’s squad, including several players new to New Zealand conditions, will take lessons from the tight Dunedin contest. The All Blacks’ discipline under pressure and ability to close out tight games remain their signature. For French rugby, the series exposed gaps in set‑piece and tactical kicking that will need addressing before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. For New Zealand fans, the message is clear: Robertson’s rebuild is on track, but the margin against top‑tier opposition is razor‑thin.

For those looking ahead, Frances 2026 fixture against the All Blacks offers a detailed preview of the next chapter in this storied rivalry.

Frequently asked questions