All Blacks squad naming: Scott Robertson names his first selections of 2025
Scott Robertson has called up five new faces for his first All Blacks class of 2025, with his 35-man squad for next month’s series against France named.
Following a spate of injuries and departures offshore, Robertson has put his faith in four newcomers to face Les Bleus, themselves weakened by an inability to select from their full complement for the tour opener.
After close to a decade of service at both Super Rugby and NPC level, Hurricanes standout and co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi has earned his first-call up. The 28-year-old was arguably the form No 7 in this year’s competition, and takes the place of Sam Cane – who left Aotearoa for Japan at the end of 2024.
His inclusion, though, comes at the expense of the pair of Dalton Papali’i and Ethan Blackadder, both overlooked, and Peter Lakai injured, with Robertson naming just five specialist loose forwards.
The Highlanders have contributed two of the five new players, despite finishing Super Rugby Pacific as the lowest-placed of the New Zealand sides.
Versatile back Timoci Tavatavanawai has earned his maiden selection, and provides Robertson with cover in both the midfield and on the wing. The 27-year-old was a clear standout in the early rounds of Super Rugby Pacific, but was unable to steer his side into a playoffs place.
Tavatavanawai is one of six midfielders picked in the 35-man squad, but is also an option to cover the wing, with incumbent Mark Tele’a having signed to join Japanese side Toyota Verblitz from next season.
Having impressed for both the All Blacks XV and as a development player with the All Blacks, Fabian Holland’s rapid rise into Robertson’s plans has taken the next step.
An injury to Sam Darry, who himself debuted in 2024, means Holland wins his first selection, after only recently qualifying for New Zealand having relocated from the Netherlands.
In the front row, the Chiefs make up the rest of the uncapped brigade.
Following injury to Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 25-year-old prop Ollie Norris has been called up for the first time, and will contest the No 1 jersey with incumbents Ethan de Groot and Tamaiti Williams.
Hooker Brodie McAlister, meanwhile, is arguably the squad’s one and only bolter. The 28-year-old moved north from the Crusaders to the Chiefs at the start of the season, but largely played back-up to Samisoni Taukei’aho.
His inclusion comes with Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua sidelined by a hamstring injury, and ahead of Crusaders youngster George Bell, who was selected for the first time and debuted last year.
“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,” said Robertson.
“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 – 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.”
Elsewhere, Quinn Tupaea returns to the All Blacks for the first time since 2022.
The 26-year-old’s World Cup dreams were crushed when a reckless tackle by Wallabies lock Darcy Swain left him with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and forced Tupaea to spend the last two years building back to form.
But Tupaea’s selection leaves no room for Crusaders captain David Havili, despite leading his side to the Super Rugby Pacific title just days ago.
Injury cover makes up the final two places in the squad, as Christian Lio-Willie and Emoni deputise for Luke Jacobson and Anton Lienert-Brown respectively, with both in a race to prove their fitness to face France.
That's all folks
Alex Powell
What a day. That's all from us in terms of live coverage, but we'll keep bringing you more throughout the day as we digest the first All Blacks squad of the year.
Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you soon!
'It means everything' – Fabian Holland
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"It means everything," the lock told Sky Sport. "I left [the Netherlands] when I was 16, my brother and sister were both 13.
"I've been here for six years, you miss crucial time of them growing up. It was very hard, Covid hit in the meanwhile.
"All that sacrifice comes to this moment. It's pretty special.
"That's what all the emotion was about. Mum straight away jumped in my arms, it was emotional."
Timoci Tavatavanawai speaks
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"I was by myself. I missed a call, I saw the message and had to call Razor back," Timoci Tavatavanawai said.
"I was doing some gardening. I messaged my missus, she was at work. I made a call to my family that look after me here in New Zealand.
"It was pretty awesome."
Fabian Holland speaks
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"I found out yesterday, I got a call from Razor. I was going to go out for breakfast with to see foster family with my Mum and my brother," Fabian Holland said.
"My mum flew out from the Netherlands, coincidentally. I got a phone call, I'm pretty sure I blacked out for a little bit. I was speechless.
"After that, it was really emotional having all my family there, and calling my old man and my sister back home."
Du'Plessis Kirifi speaks
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"I was just at home, getting ready to watch my partner [Northern Stars' Mila Reuelu-Buchanan] play netball," Du’Plessis Kirifi told Sky Sport.
"I got the call from Razor. It's a pretty special moment, I was lucky to make some phone calls to my mum and dad and my partner. It was a special day yesterday.
"[I just needed to] be more consistent, be a reliable teammate, and more physical on both sides of the ball. I'm pretty proud of my season.
"Some would say I'm a specialist No 7, but if they ask me to play any other position, I'll put my hand up and do it to the best of my ability."
Which Super Rugby Pacific club is best represented?
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Last year, there were suggestions Robertson favoured his former Crusaders charges – who finished last of the Kiwi teams. This year, there can be no qualms.
Here's how it breaks down:
Chiefs: 12
Crusaders: 8
Hurricanes: 7
Blues: 4
Highlanders: 3
Moana Pasifika: 1
Rieko to the wing?
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Robertson says there is plenty of flexibility in covering the outside backs.
Ioane, as well as the selected first fives, can all shift outward if needed.
Injury clouds
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Anton Lienert-Brown has been a notable absentee for the Chiefs after his broken collarbone. Interestingly, club teammate Emoni Narawa – a specialist winger – is listed as cover.
In the forwards, Christian Lio-Willie is named to cover Luke Jacobson. He's predominantly a No 8, while Jacobson will likely contest for the All Blacks No 6 jersey, given the strength of Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi.
Quinn Tupaea returns
Alex Powell
It's close, but you'd have to say the Chiefs man's return is the best story.
Three years ago, he suffered the worst injury possible when he was thuggishly taken out by Darcy Swain.
Now, he's back in black, after being a standout in Super Rugby Pacific.
Midfield options
Alex Powell
Surprisingly, the midfield looks packed.
Despite only two starting spots being up for grabs, there are six players picked in this squad. That's not including Super Rugby Pacific-winning captain David Havili, either.
Meanwhile, the outside backs are just four deep for three starting spots.
That means guys are going to have to cover more than one position – both Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai can do both, but how much will be asked of them?
Loose forward mix
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Interestingly, only five loose forwards have been named.
If they're to have depth with two in each position, one of the locks will also need to cover No 6, by the look of things.
Both Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i have done it in the past, but they're now comfortably established as the first-choice second row.
Forwards coach Jason Ryan speaks
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"Ollie Norris has been incredibly accurate on both sides of the ball, he's learning his craft really, really well.
"Brodie McAlister has earned the right, he's been a consistent performer through Super Rugby. He was in and around us last year, and proved how good he is around his core roles.
"Fabian, we love him. He just loves the contest, everywhere on the field, he's in the contest. With the ball or without the ball, he's a competitor.
"Du'Plessis has worked extremely hard. He's the ultimate story of what it takes to keep working and absolute desire to be an All Black. He's got the balance right. He's learned a lot about himself learning Wellington and the Hurricanes. We know he's ready."
All you need to know about the new faces
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Scott Robertson speaks
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"It's always a challenge, to pick the best players in the country.
"It's great to be here and announce such a special team for our country.
"You look through the whole season, you look for reliability, the ability to keep turning up, their skill sets under pressure, how they complement the group.
"There's always someone who's going to be disappointed.
"It's a hell of a team, just congratulations to those debutants, their families, and who supported them to get here."
There it is
Alex Powell
Wow! Some huge calls in there.
Five new players – Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Some big names miss out too – there's no room for Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder or David Havili.
Minutes away!
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Here we go then, New Zealand Rugby chairman and former All Blacks captain David Kirk will read the squad out.
Ten minutes to go ...
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It's getting closer! Don't go anywhere, we'll bring you the full squad list as soon as we have it.
Liam Napier's picks
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The NZ Herald's resident rugby writer has had his say, and reckons we could see four new faces for this first squad.
Kirifi earns his chance?
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With Sam Cane in Japan, Du'Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes might just be the man to wear No 7. He's had to be patient, but there'd be few who would argue he's not earned a first call-up.
The clock is ticking
Alex Powell
If you're just joining us now, there are less than 60 minutes before we hear who's in – and who's out.
Last year's first squad saw five uncapped players – George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima and Billy Proctor.
How many new names will be read out today?
Has Tavatavanawai done enough?
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If this squad was named after the first few weeks of the season, Highlanders standout Timoci Tavatava would surely have been in there.
Capable of covering both wing and midfield, his early displays turned the right heads. But will he pay the price for the Highlanders' poor season?
Bolter watch
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Last year saw Pasilio Tosi called up after an impressive season with the Hurricanes, but whether or not this year's squad have a genuine "bolter" remains to be seen.
One player who could fit that tag is Blues prop Josh Fusitu'a. The 24-year-old has taken his chance in Ofa Tu'ungafasi's absence, but has he done enough to crack Razor's front-row stocks?
What to do on the wing?
Alex Powell
Mark Tele'a leaving for Japan has left a hole in the No 14 jersey.
While he's technically still eligible, it wouldn't be pragmatic to pick the Blues flyer for this season.
So who, then, will get the nod?
Fabian Holland's time?
Alex Powell
One newbie who can be very confident today is Highlanders lock Fabian Holland.
The 22-year-old Dutchman is now eligible to be an All Black, after relocating to Aotearoa from the Netherlands.
Holland impressed while training with the squad at the end of last year, and Sam Darry's injury could just be his opening.
How many new faces?
Alex Powell
Like every fresh All Blacks squad, there will be plenty of interest in how many uncapped players are called up for the first time.
With Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a already in Japan, or on their way shortly, there are holes to fill.
What's more, injuries to Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry and Ofa Tu'ungafasi also open the door for others.
We'll know just after lunchtime ...
Good morning
Alex Powell
A very early kia ora to you all!
We're here for the first All Blacks squad naming of the year, and what a day it'll be!
Scott Robertson's first side of the year will be named at 12pm – so stay with us for all the build-up until then.
All Blacks squad:
Hookers:
Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister*
Props:
Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris*, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks:
Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland*
Loose forwards:
Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi*, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson
Halfbacks:
Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham
First-five eighths:
Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders:
Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai*
Outside backs:
Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
Injury cover:
Christian Lio-Willie for Luke Jacobson, Emoni Narawa for Anton Lienert-Brown
Unavailable due to injury:
Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.