All Blacks: Scott Robertson provides fitness update on Barrett brothers and key forward duo ahead of Argentina Tests

All Blacks boss Scott Robertson has revealed that all the players in his 37-man squad will travel to Argentina for their opening Rugby Championship matches.

New Zealand will get their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign underway with back-to-back encounters against Los Pumas in Cordoba and Buenos Aires on August 16 and 23 respectively.

Apart from the players in his main squad, Robertson has also named a seven-man injury cover group which consists of George Bower, Tevita Mafileo, Josh Lord, Finlay Christie, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.

Star players back in the All Blacks squad

However, All Blacks fans will be delighted that first choice players like captain Scott Barrett and his brother Beauden, as well as Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi, have been included in the three-time world champions’ squad for the trip to Argentina.

Scott and Beauden Barrett sustained Achilles and hand injuries respectively during the All Blacks’ recent 3-0 series triumph over France in New Zealand, while Williams (knee) and Sititi (ankle) were not in action against Les Bleus.

Robertson revealed that although Williams is still on the road to recovery, he is hoping that he will be fit to face Los Pumas in Buenos Aires and expressed his delight that the front-rower and exciting back-rower Sititi are back in the All Blacks’ environment.

“So, all the ones, the 37 will travel actually,” he told reporters on Monday. “We’re going to take Tamaiti with us and Tevita Mafila will come over as well so we can get ideas for Tamaiti to be available for that second Test.

“Yeah, both of them, great to have them back in the environment. They’ve worked really hard.

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“They’re tracking niggly injuries and they’ve been extremely professional in tracking well.”

While Williams’ recovery is on track, Robertson believes the All Blacks have good cover in uncapped Hurricanes front-row Mafileo.

‘He’s perfect for a touring party’

“(He’s) 27, good prop. Great straight back on him. Strong, can play both sides, so he’s perfect for a touring party,” said the head coach.

“We’re really pleased for him because he’s just been there and just worked at his craft and his opportunity’s come.”

Robertson is delighted that Scott and Beauden Barrett are also back to full fitness and set to return to action at Test level.

“He’s looking good. He’s done a lot of bench presses,” he said of the All Blacks skipper.

“He’s in good condition. It’s been a nice little pre-season for him really. He’s tracking well.”

He added: “Beauden’s good, (his) hand’s good, running and passing all the weights. He’s back and he’ll be ready for the Test One.”

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