All Blacks name five debutants in Scott Barrett-led squad for three France Tests
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson raised eyebrows on Monday by naming five uncapped players in his 33-man squad for the upcoming three-Test rugby series against France. Scott Barrett will captain the side, while notable omissions include Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder, and David Havili.The new faces in the squad are forwards Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, and Du'Plessis Kirifi, along with winger Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Robertson described the squad selection as a mix of 'continuity and opportunity', aiming to blend experience with fresh talent ahead of the Tests in Dunedin, Wellington, and Hamilton next month."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," he said. "We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.
"For the five uncapped players this is a particularly special day," he added.
The All Blacks have also recalled hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho and centre Quinn Tupaea, marking their returns after extended absences - Taukei'aho last played in 2023, while Tupaea hasn't featured since 2022.
Scott's brother Jordie Barrett and seasoned flanker Ardie Savea named as vice-captains.
July 5 - All Blacks vs France, Dunedin
July 12 – All Blacks vs France, Wellington
July 19 – All Blacks vs France, Hamilton
New Zealand rugby squad:
Forwards: Codie Taylor (Canterbury Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei'aho (Waikato Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Waikato Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Otago Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Canterbury Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Waikato Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Wellington Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Canterbury Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Wellington Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (Canterbury Crusaders, capt), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland Blues), Tupou Vaa'i (Waikato Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Otago Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Waikato Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du'Plessis Kirifi (Wellington Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Waikato Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Waikato Chiefs)
Backs: Cameron Roigard (Wellington Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Waikato Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Canterbury Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Auckland Blues), Damian McKenzie (Waikato Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Wellington Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Auckland Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Wellington Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Otago Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Auckland Blues), Sevu Reece (Canterbury Crusaders), Will Jordan (Canterbury Crusaders), Ruben Love (Wellington Hurricanes).
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