All Blacks: Scott Robertson names five uncapped players in squad for series against France
Highlanders centre Timoci Tavatavanawai and All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has announced a 33-man squad, including five uncapped players, for the upcoming series against France in New Zealand next month.
All Blacks selectors Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named five new caps in their 33-strong squad for the 2025 Lipovitan-D July Series.
In naming his first squad of 2025, Robertson said he and his fellow selectors – assistant coaches Hansen and Ryan – had balanced continuity and opportunity.
“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,” he said.
“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.”
Scott Barrett retains captaincy
Crusaders second-row Scott Barrett has been retained as All Blacks captain while Moana Pasifika back-row Ardie Savea and Hurricanes centre Jordie Barrett, who recently returned to New Zealand after a six-month sabbatical with Irish province Leinster, are the two vice-captains.
“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie,” said Robertson.
“They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.”
Chiefs front-row duo Ollie Norris (prop) and Brodie McAlister (hooker) as well as Highlanders second-row Fabian Holland, Hurricanes back-row Du’Plessis Kirifi and Highlanders centre Timoci Tavatavanawai are the newbies in the squad and Robertson is looking forward to working with the quintet.
“For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – this is a particularly special day,” he said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Chiefs duo Samisoni Taukei’aho (hooker) and Quinn Tupaea (centre) return to the All Blacks set-up for the first time since 2023 and 2022 respectively after overcoming serious injuries.
“These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year,” added Robertson.
“We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on 25 June to start preparations for the first Test against France which takes place at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on July 5.
The second Test will be held at Sky Stadium in Wellington seven days later before the series reaches its conclusion at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton on July 19.
All Blacks squad for three-Test series with France
Forwards: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (Crusaders, c), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
Backs: Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes)
*Injury Cover: Christian Lio-Willie (Crusaders), Emoni Narawa (Chiefs)
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