All Blacks poised to pick Tupou Vaa’i at No 6 and unveil new locking pair against Ireland

Wednesday, 15 July 2026

What: Nations Championship, round three, All Blacks v Ireland. Where: Eden Park, Auckland. When: 7.10pm Saturday, Sky Sport 1

Dave Rennie is set to become the third All Blacks coach to select Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa’i in the troublesome No 6 jersey.

Vaa’i, who started at lock against Italy in Wellington last weekend, will move to blindside flanker against Ireland, The Post understands.

Josh Lord and Patrick Tuipulotu are likely to form a new locking combination if the big Blues lock gets through the training week unscathed after recovering from the injury that kept him out of the tests against France and Italy.

The selections mean that the All Blacks will field a noticeably bigger pack at Eden Park than they did in the first two tests of the year.

Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi wore the All Blacks No 6 jersey against France and Italy, respectively.

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But the experienced Ireland forwards are expected to present a formidable physical challenge at Eden Park, where the All Blacks are out to maintain a remarkable winning run that stretches back to 1994.

Ireland lock/flanker Tadhg Beirne is likely to play a prominent role for the visitors, either in the starting side or off the bench.

Vaa’i is somewhat of a reluctant No 6 given that lock is his preferred position, but Ian Foster, Scott Robertson and now Rennie have been drawn to his athleticism.

The lack of alternative options is another factor, with Tasman flanker Shannon Frizell not yet eligible to be selected after returning from three seasons in Japan Rugby League One.

Simon Parker is the only other No 6 in the All Blacks squad, but the Chiefs have also used him as a No 8.

Standout Hurricanes flanker Devan Flanders and the Chiefs’ Samipeni Finau are leaving New Zealand for deals in Japan.

Rennie told Sky Sport last weekend that he would have been “tempted” to start Vaa’i at No 6 against France in Christchurch, but Vaa’i was ruled out of that test due to concussion.

Tuipulotu was originally named on the bench against France, but was scratched on game day due to a tight calf.

Vaai’s move to No 6 comes as All Blacks lock Fabian Holland prepares to make his return to rugby with Otago.

Rennie said on Monday that Holland is likely to play a preseason game for Otago - probably the Ranfurly Shield defence against Mid Canterbury on Friday week - before coming into contention for the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa.

If Holland makes a successful return from the shoulder injury he suffered in the Highlanders’ preseason game against Moana Pasifika, Vaa’i could spend a lot of time in the No 6 jersey.

Sam Darry has been excellent at lock for the All Blacks in the tests against France and Italy, and looks likely to be given a rest against Ireland, while Lord is also establishing himself as a test lock after years of injury frustration.

Tuipulotu is coming off an injury-interrupted Super Rugby season, but he has genuine size and played well for the All Blacks last year.

The All Blacks and Ireland will both name their teams on Thursday afternoon.