A serious competition kicks off with a serious draw, with New Zealand and France having the honor of getting the inaugural Nations Championship underway. Befitting the occasion, Saturday’s blockbuster will be the All Blacks’ first appearance at the newly built Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
All going well, the game will usher in a new All Blacks era and serve as Ruben Love’s origin story. The burgeoning 25-year-old has been given the nod after a superb campaign in which he led the Hurricanes to their first Super Rugby title in a decade. Love topped the scoring charts, eclipsing Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie in the play-offs, while new coach Dave Rennie has sensibly chosen to surround him with clubmates Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett. Ardie Savea will wear the armband in Scott Barrett’s absence.
One of the best things about the Nations Championship is its closeness on the calendar to the end of the domestic season, but in France’s case it backfires. Their big Toulouse and Montpellier contingents are both ruled out as they have featured in the Top 14 final, while captain Antoine Dupont has pulled out of the tournament squad entirely after picking up a calf injury during the game.
It’s a terrible hand for Fabien Galthie to have been dealt, especially as the back-to-back Six Nations champions would have fancied their chances at full strength. However, Hans is able to field Maxime Lucu and Matthieu Jalibert in an otherwise extremely youthful XV.
Read on as we explain how to watch New Zealand vs France for free in the 2026 Nations Championship.
Can you watch New Zealand vs France for free?
Yes. New Zealand vs France is shown on free-to-air Rugby pass TV in the United States, at ITVX in the UK and beyond Virgin Media Play in Ireland.
Are you traveling abroad right now? You can use one VPN to watch New Zealand vs France for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch New Zealand vs France live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device look like it’s back in your home country so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in USA
New Zealand vs France, along with all 42 Nations Championship matches, are available to live stream for FREE on Rugby pass TV in the United States.
You can tune in via the Rugbypass TV website or app and it works with Chromecast, Airplay, AppleTV and Android TV.
Outside the US? Use one VPN while traveling away from home to unlock your stream.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in the UK
In the UK, New Zealand vs France is free-to-air on ITV1with live streaming available via ITVX.
All you need is an account, a TV license and a UK postcode (eg HA9 0WS). Register here!
If you’re outside the UK but still want to tune in, go explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in Ireland
New Zealand vs France is free-to-air on Virgin Media One in Ireland, with live streaming available via Virgin Media Play platform.
Outside of Ireland? You will have to download a VPNas described above, to take advantage of your free Nations Championship stream from abroad.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in Australia
In Australia, New Zealand vs France is exclusive to Stan Sports.
Stan Sport costs AU$20/month on top of a Stan subscription, which itself starts at AU$12/month.
Not in Australia right now? You can simply use a VPN-like NordVPN to watch the action as if you were back home.
How to watch All Blacks vs France live streams in New Zealand
In New Zealand, Sky Sports NZ shows the match All Blacks against France.
You can access Sky Sport via satellite TV or get a live stream included Sky Sport Now subscription service starting at NZ$29.99 per day or NZ$59.99 per month.
Those outside New Zealand for any part of the Nations Championship can use NordVPN to access their home streaming service.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in South Africa
The match between New Zealand and France is shown on Super sports in South Africa.
You must have one DStv access package to watch the Nations Championship, with prices starting at Rs99/month for the streaming version.
Abroad right now? Just use a VPN and tell your device that you are back home and ready to go.
How to watch New Zealand vs France live streams in Canada
In Canada, New Zealand vs France is shown on Premier Sports.
A monthly pass costs CA$29.99. You’ll need either the CA$79.99 six-month pass or the CA$139.99/year annual subscription to tune in for the entire tournament.
If you’re out of Canada but still want to catch the action, explore The VPN route above which will help you access your accounts anywhere.
What is the kick off time for New Zealand vs France?
The scheduled kick-off time for New Zealand vs France on Saturday 4th July is 19:10 NZST local time in Christchurch, which is 12:10 PT / 3:10 ET / 8:10 BST / 17:10 AEST.
What is New Zealand vs France head-to-head?
The All Blacks have won 51 of their 67 previous meetings with France. Les Bleus have won 15 and the other ended in a draw.
In New Zealand, the head-to-head stands at 30-4.
Can I watch New Zealand vs France on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters have streaming services that you can access via mobile apps or via your phone’s browser. For example, ITVX, Rugbypass TV and VM Play all have dedicated apps.
We test and review VPN services for legitimate recreational use. For example: 1. Accessing a Service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that Service). 2. Protecting your online security and enhancing your online privacy when you are abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid-for pirated content is neither endorsed nor endorsed by Future Publishing.
