New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has included five potential debutants in his first All Blacks squad of the 2025 season ahead of their three-Test series with France.
Australian-born Ollie Norris joins the next generation of stars set to don the famous black jersey alongside his Chiefs front-row teammate Brodie McAlister while Highlanders pair Fabian Holland and Timoci Tavatavanawai and Hurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi have also been named.
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Scott Barrett returns to captain the side, with Super Rugby Pacific MVP Ardie Savea and URC winner Jordie Barrett stepping in as deputies.
Luke Jacobson and Anton Lienert-Brown have also been included despite battling injuries, so a potential sixth debutant looms in uncapped Christian Lio-Willie who joins two-cap All Black Emoni Narawa as injury cover.
There are several notable omissions with Asafo Aumua out due to injury while Crusaders backrower Ethan Blackadder and Blues duo Hoskins Sotutu and Mark Tele'a also missed selection
“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," Robertson said in an official statement.
"We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.
“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented 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, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – 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 Blacks 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.”
The side will also welcome back Samisoni Taukei’aho and Quinn Tupaea, who both make their returns to the national side for the first time 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," Robertson added.
"We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”
The All Blacks kick off their three-Test series against France on July 5th in Dunedin, with the squad assembling later this week.
Codie Taylor (Crusaders, Canterbury, 96) Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs, Waikato, 30) Brodie McAlister (Chiefs, Canterbury, *) Ethan de Groot (Highlanders, Southland, 29) Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders, Canterbury, 18) Ollie Norris (Chiefs, Waikato, *) Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes, Tasman, 44) Fletcher Newell (Crusaders, Canterbury, 22) Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes, Bay of Plenty, 7) Scott Barrett (Crusaders, Taranaki, 80) (Captain) Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues, Auckland, 51) Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs, Taranaki, 38) Fabian Holland (Highlanders, Otago, *) Samipeni Finau (Chiefs, Waikato, 8) Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika, Wellington, 94) (Vice-Captain) Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes, Wellington, *) Wallace Sititi (Chiefs, North Harbour, 10) Luke Jacobson (Chiefs, Waikato, 24)
Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes, Counties Manukau, 10) Cortez Ratima (Chiefs, Waikato, 11) Noah Hotham (Crusaders, Tasman, 1) Beauden Barrett (Blues, Taranaki, 134) Damian McKenzie (Chiefs, Waikato, 61) Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs, Waikato, 84) Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes, Taranaki, 68) (Vice-Captain) Rieko Ioane (Blues, Auckland, 81) Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs, Waikato, 14) Billy Proctor (Hurricanes, Wellington, 2) Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders, Tasman, *) Caleb Clarke (Blues, Auckland, 29) Sevu Reece (Crusaders, Southland, 32) Will Jordan (Crusaders, Tasman, 41) Ruben Love (Hurricanes, Wellington, 1) Injury cover: Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders, Otago, *), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs, Bay of Plenty, 2)
Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua; Ofa Tu’ungafasi; Sam Darry; Peter Lakai; Stephen Perofeta
