Five new faces in All Black squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The All Blacks have named five uncapped players in their 33-strong squad for the 2025 July Series against France.
In naming his first squad of the year, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he and his fellow selectors had balanced continuity and opportunity.
“Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year.
“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific,” Robertson said.
Scott Barrett returns as All Black captain, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett as his vice-captains.
“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complemented by Ardie and Jordie.
“They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.”
“For the five uncapped players – Ollie [Norris], Brodie [McAlister], Fabian [Holland], Du’Plessis [Kirifi] and Timoci [Tavatavanawai] – this is a particularly special day.
“These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Black squad.
“We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey, and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks,” Robertson said.
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The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and centre Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured since 2023 and 2022 respectively.
“These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on June 25 to begin preparations for the first Test against France on July 5 in Dunedin.
All Blacks squad to face France
Forwards: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (captain) (Crusaders), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (vice-captain) (Moana Pasifika), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
Backs: Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (vice-captain) (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes).
Injury Cover
The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the July Test series:
Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders) for Luke Jacobson
Emoni Narawa (Chiefs) for Anton Lienert-Brown
Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta.
