One fine-line selection aside, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is projecting a steady-as-he-goes approach after naming a predictable squad for the Grand Slam tour. Attention will therefore swiftly turn to the next tier, the All Blacks XV squad, and one potential omission that would spark widespread surprise.
Losing starting forwards Tupou Vaa’i and Tyrel Lomax to injuries hurts the All Blacks’ hopes of claiming their first Grand Slam in 15 years but regaining Beauden Barrett for the four-match northern tour, starting against Ireland in Chicago on November 2, is a significant boost.
Robertson is clearly comfortable with his outside-back cover after opting to not groom a rookie wing – Auckland speedster Caleb Tangitau or Canterbury’s Chay Fihaki are likely next in line – for the injured Emoni Narawa.
Josh Lord’s retention over Sam Darry at lock is the tightest selection call, with George Bell usurping Canterbury counterpart Brodie McAlister no shock after the latter’s throwing struggles off the bench for the All Blacks this year.
George Bower and the uncapped Tevita Mafileo replacing injured props Ollie Norris and Lomax is also expected.
Otherwise, there is an absence of talking points with the likes of Sevu Reece, Samipeni Finau and Finlay Christie among others granted reprieves for now with Robertson not yet ready to usher in change to those on the periphery.
“It’s a great opportunity for a Grand Slam. It’s been a while,” Robertson said. “When you get a crack at it, you’ve got to make sure you take that opportunity. That’s why we’ve picked this squad.”
Robertson will closely monitor the 30-man Jamie Joseph-led All Blacks XV squad that is named on Tuesday for fixtures against England A and the Barbarians in November.
Last year, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Fabian Holland and Ruben Love spent time in the All Blacks camp after featuring for the All Blacks XV. That trio then graduated to become full squad members.
With one potential headline omission looming, though, a debate is brewing about the purpose of the All Blacks XV.
Should it focus on promoting the next generation by giving them valuable exposure to contrasting styles and conditions or largely be used as a retention carrot for fringe All Blacks who have been there before?
This debate could spark around Otago halfback Dylan Pledger, one of New Zealand rugby’s most exciting talents.
Pledger is widely expected to be included in the All Blacks XV but the Herald understands he may miss out.
The 20-year-old prospect is yet to play Super Rugby Pacific for the Highlanders but after scoring another two tries in Otago’s NPC quarter-final success against Waikato on Friday night in Dunedin, he continues to signal his undeniable potential.
Pledger, with his speed to the base and instinctive running game, could well emerge as a must-have inclusion for the All Blacks’ 2027 World Cup campaign behind Cam Roigard.
On that basis, Pledger should be fast-tracked now.
Highlanders head coach Joseph, though, is thought to believe it is better at this stage of his development for Pledger to commit to a full pre-season ahead of his Super debut, rather than gaining exposure to the next level.
That could pave the way for Folau Fakatava to join Kyle Preston as the All Blacks XV halfbacks.
Tangitau, Taranaki playmaker Josh Jacomb, who will switch from the Chiefs to the Highlanders in 2027, Dalton Papali’i, McAlister, Darry, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod and Fihaki are among those expected to be included in Joseph’s All Blacks XV squad.
“We’ve worked really closely with the All Blacks XV coaches, Jamie Joseph and his crew,” Robertson said.
“There’s 66 players heading north – 36 with us. It’s a great opportunity to play a different style, different brand of footy. Some guys have earned it through great NPC form.
“There’s a few bolters who will come out tomorrow [Tuesday] in the All Blacks XV. If you look at the entirety of the squad, we’ve had 19 debutants in the last two years. We’ve got a few players who have been there and competing for positions so it’s in a great spot. We’ve got experience, we’ve got youth.
“History shows you need experience to win Grand Slams.”
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell.
Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Tevita Mafileo.
Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord.
Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson.
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie.
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku.
Outside backs: Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.
Unavailable for selection: Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa; Ollie Norris, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta
All Blacks Grand Slam tour:
Sunday 2 November, 9.00am: All Blacks v Ireland, Soldier Field, Chicago
Sunday 9 November, 4.10am: All Blacks v Scotland, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Sunday 16 November, 4.10am: All Blacks v England, Twickenham, London
Sunday 23 November, 4.10am: All Blacks v Wales, Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.