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.
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.
