The big selection talking points ahead of the All Blacks-Italy test in Wellington
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
The first All Blacks test of the year was barely in the bag before the ‘R’ word was being thrown out there.
Indeed, with Italy, fresh off a limp defeat to Japan, on the menu in the capital on Saturday, should the All Blacks rotate players with an eye on Ireland the following week?
“Potentially,” assistant coach Jason Ryan said when asked if the coaching group would look at giving players not used to beat France in Christchurch last week a run.
“I think we've got good trust in our whole squad here. Look, we will pick the best team.”
Make of that what you will.
Earlier in the week, selector and assistant coach Neil Barnes was more open, admitting the coaching team had been weighing up respecting Italy and growing their squad.
“There are some people that went all right last week that might not be in there, but there were also some really good performances that are going to be rewarded. We’ve got a little eye on making sure we respect it as a test match that’s got to be won well, and at the same time letting some other players have a chance to make their case as well.”
In other words, expect some changes when head coach Dave Rennie unveils his team to face Italy at 3.30pm on Thursday afternoon.
A week after he sprung a bunch of surprises, here are the big selection talking points, while you can name your starting XV below.
To blood two more players or not?
Fehi Fineanganofo, Xavier Numia and Jamie Hannah became capped All Blacks under the roof in Christchurch.
That leaves record-breaking winger Josh Moorby and loose forward Anton Segner as the only uncapped players among the current squad.
No disrespect to Italy, but there is no better time than now to blood them, whether it be a run-on appearance or a burst off the pine.
In terms of Moorby, the most popular method would be to start him in a back three including Fineanganofo, who also scored a Super Rugby record 17 tries for the title-winning Hurricanes this year.
Starting the explosive Fineanganofo and Moorby, a brilliant finisher with a nose for the line, on the wings with either McKenzie or Will Jordan, who is quickly closing in on Doug Howlett’s All Blacks record (49), should guarantee some highlight reel worthy action.
What about Anton Segner?
Rennie sure caught most folk off guard with his loose forwards trio last week.
But there should be no surprise if German-born Blues flanker Segner starts against Italy this week.
Capable of playing all three positions in the back-row, he could be a straight swap with Peter Lakai, who wasn’t bad during his maiden first-class start in the No 6 jersey a week ago.
However, he didn’t exactly stamp his mark on the game either, and certainly looks better suited to No 8, where he was excellent for the Canes this year.
Sticking with the loose forwards, all eyes will be on whether Rennie sticks with Savea at No 8 - this week and beyond.
After the All Blacks’ skipper started 10 tests in the No 7 jersey last year, Rennie last week indicated they liked what he offered from the back of the scrum, while also making it clear how highly rated Luke Jacobson was.
However, Barnes said Savea was “one of many discussed” this week while weighing up their line up, suggesting he could be given the Italy test off.
Jordan and McKenzie are other senior players who could be rested.
Beauden Barrett
Rarely have the All Blacks had a more qualified water boy than last week, when 35-year-old Beauden Barrett ran drinks.
But he could ditch the yellow singlet for playing kit this week, potentially slotting in at fullback for McKenzie, or taking up a utility/impact role off the bench.
A year after starting 10 of 13 tests at pivot, don’t expect him to replace Ruben Love, however.
Indeed, Love, who bounced back superbly after an early yellow card last week, highlighted by his electric running game, should fit into the category Barnes mentioned that will see some players rewarded for their performance in Christchurch.
Barrett, often guilty of telegraphing his intended passing target, is coming off a frustrating Super Rugby campaign. However, he drew praise from Rennie after missing out on the first 23 of the year.
“I’ve been really impressed with Beauden, I haven’t coached Beauden before, his contribution has been massive, he’s training really well, he’s been impressive.”
Who else hasn’t had a run yet?
Prop Pasilio Tosi and locks Tupou Vaa’i and Patrick Tuipulotu missed out last week due to injury.
In addition to them and the aforementioned players, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, prop George Bower, loose forward Simon Parker, halfback Kyle Preston, midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown and wing Leroy Carter didn’t feature in the Garden City.
Time will tell how many get their first chance of 2026 in the capital.