Hurricane Du’Plessis Kirifi the unluckiest All Black to miss out as Dave Rennie suggests form has dipped from last year
Monday, 22 June 2026
ANALYSIS: The Hurricanes have been rewarded for their outstanding Super Rugby season with 11 All Blacks selections - the most of the five New Zealand clubs.
But the omission of flanker and co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi might take the edge off the celebrations a touch, despite Kirifi’s outstanding Super Rugby campaign.
It was always going to be harder for Kirifi than most to win selection, because new captain All Blacks Ardie Savea was locked in under new coach Dave Rennie.
Kirifi was therefore effectively in a battle with the likes of the uncapped Anton Segner for one spot and Rennie said on Monday that the Blues flanker had simply been in better form.
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“I think if you look even just straight at numbers, Anton's been incredible,” Rennie said.
“I think his post tackle stuff is in the 90s, so he's made really good decisions and he's been really effective.
“Du’Plessis was unbelievable this time last year. Probably not quite as good in the numbers this year, but he's a really good player.
“He's a good athlete, he's aggressive, got a massive work ethic…so, they’re the discussions that we have, but Anton's form has been irresistible.”
His numbers might have dipped, but Kirifi still played a leading role for the Hurricanes again this year.
Whenever the Hurricanes needed an important turnover, Kirifi was often the man to step up.
Kirifi, who was part of the All Blacks squad for the whole of 2025, might also be a casualty of the decision to include six loose forwards in a 19-15 split.
Rennie named five outside backs on Monday, in addition to three No 10s who can all cover fullback.
Kirifi won’t be the only player to feel disappointed today: Rieko Ioane, Chiefs prop Ollie Norris and Crusaders Ethan Blackadder and Noah Hotham are all recent All Blacks.
On the other side of that coin, Chiefs halfback Cortez Ratima had an underwhelming season and is arguably benefiting from New Zealand’s current lack of depth in the halfback position.
The good news for Kirifi is that the tour of South Africa starting in August offers a way back into the All Blacks and players with his attributes will be worth their weight in gold.
It will be vital for that expanded squad of 44 players to have leaders outside the top 23 and Kirifi fits that bill alongside the Crusaders’ David Havili and others.