Get ready for an exciting rugby tour as the All Blacks gear up for their end-of-year adventure! But here's the twist: head coach Scott Robertson has made some bold moves with his 36-man squad selection.
The Big Reveal: One New Cap, No Injury Cover
Robertson has named his team for the 2025 tour, kicking off in Chicago against Ireland on November 2nd. The squad is unique, with only one debutant from the Rugby Championship and no injury replacements.
The most notable change is at hooker, where George Bell takes the spot over Brodie McAlister, who made his debut earlier this season against France. It's a strategic move that has rugby fans buzzing.
Prop Position: Tevita Mafileo Steps In
In the forwards, Hurricanes prop Tevita Mafileo joins the squad, filling in for Tyrel Lomax, who is nursing a thumb injury. Josh Lord also steps in, replacing Tupou Vaa'i.
Unfortunately, some key players won't be joining the tour due to injuries. Ollie Norris, Noah Hotham, and Emoni Narawa are among those missing out, adding to the long list of unavailable players for Robertson.
A Historic Tour: Rematch and Northern Hemisphere Challenge
Robertson and his squad are excited for the tour, which includes a highly anticipated rematch against Ireland in Chicago. He emphasizes the historical significance of this opportunity, stating, "There is a lot of history that has led up to this, and we will honor and draw inspiration from those who came before us."
The All Blacks will also face some of the best teams from the northern hemisphere on their home grounds, presenting a fantastic challenge. Robertson adds, "We are looking forward to this very special tour."
Full Squad Announcement: Forwards and Backs
Here's the full All Blacks squad for the end-of-year tour:
Forwards:
- Codie Taylor (hooker, 34, Crusaders / Canterbury, 103)
- Samisoni Taukei'aho (hooker, 28, Chiefs / Waikato, 39)
- George Bell (hooker, 23, Crusaders / Canterbury, 3)
- Ethan de Groot (prop, 27, Highlanders / Southland, 37)
- Tamaiti Williams (prop, 25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 23)
- George Bower (prop, 33, Crusaders / Otago, 24)
- Fletcher Newell (prop, 25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 31)
- Pasilio Tosi (prop, 27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, 12)
- Tevita Mafileo (prop, 27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, *)
- Scott Barrett (lock, 31, Crusaders / Taranaki, 86) [Captain]
- Patrick Tuipulotu (lock, 32, Blues / Auckland, 56)
- Fabian Holland (lock, 23, Highlanders / Otago, 9)
- Josh Lord (lock, 24, Chiefs / Taranaki, 8)
- Samipeni Finau (lock/loose forward, 26, Chiefs / Waikato, 12)
- Simon Parker (loose forward, 25, Chiefs / Northland, 5)
- Ardie Savea (loose forward, 31, Moana Pasifika / Wellington, 103) [Vice-Captain]
- Du'Plessis Kirifi (loose forward, 28, Hurricanes / Wellington, 6)
- Wallace Sititi (loose forward, 23, Chiefs / North Harbour, 15)
- Peter Lakai (loose forward, 22, Hurricanes / Wellington, 5)
- Luke Jacobson (loose forward, 28, Chiefs / Waikato, 25)
Backs:
- Cortez Ratima (halfback, 24, Chiefs / Waikato, 18)
- Cameron Roigard (halfback, 24, Hurricanes / Counties Manukau, 14)
- Finlay Christie (halfback, 30, Blues / Tasman, 27)
- Beauden Barrett (first-five eighth/fullback, 34, Blues / Taranaki, 141)
- Damian McKenzie (first-five eighth/fullback, 30, Chiefs / Waikato, 70)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (midfield, 30, Chiefs / Waikato, 86)
- Jordie Barrett (midfield, 28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 77) [Vice-Captain]
- Quinn Tupaea (midfield, 26, Chiefs / Waikato, 21)
- Billy Proctor (midfield, 26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 9)
- Leicester Fainga'anuku (midfield/outside back, 26, Crusaders / Tasman, 8)
- Rieko Ioane (midfield/outside back, 28, Blues / Auckland, 87)
- Caleb Clarke (outside back, 26, Blues / Auckland, 30)
- Sevu Reece (outside back, 28, Crusaders / Southland, 36)
- Leroy Carter (outside back, 26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 3)
- Will Jordan (outside back, 27, Crusaders / Tasman, 50)
- Ruben Love (outside back/first-five eighth, 24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 4)
Unavailable Due to Injury:
- Tyrel Lomax
- Tupou Vaa'i
- Noah Hotham
- Emoni Narawa
- Ollie Norris
- Ofa Tu'ungafasi
- Asafo Aumua
- Stephen Perofeta
And there you have it! A unique squad selection with some intriguing choices. What do you think of Robertson's strategy? Will the All Blacks dominate on their end-of-year tour? Let's discuss in the comments!
