Ranked: The uncapped All Blacks who could light up the Rugby Championship

New Zealand recently named a 36-man squad ahead of the Rugby Championship that included five uncapped players who will be eager to impress.

A strong outing or two in the upcoming tournament would do their dreams of making the World Cup squad heading for France the power of good.

That will, of course, be the quintet’s goal in the Rugby Championship, and we’ve ranked those players’ hopes of impressing from five down to one.

5) Dallas McLeod

McLeod’s squad selection was somewhat tinged by many viewing his inclusion as the reason fan favourite Shaun Stevenson missed out on a spot.

But that would be doing a disservice to McLeod, who has been incredibly solid for the Crusaders in 2023 in the absence of the injured Sevu Reece.

A player who makes hardly any mistakes – which is gold in the international arena – the back is intelligent, powerful, fast and is solid in the air.

While we feel the 24-year-old is probably furthest down the pecking order in terms of minutes at wing or centre, it’d be foolish to write him off.

4) Samipeni Finau

There is excitement surrounding the blindside, not least because it’s a spot New Zealand have struggled to fill since the retirement of Jerome Kaino.

Finau, 24, has been outstanding for the Chiefs this season and possesses an abrasive edge on both sides of the ball that has impressed rugby fans.

He is set to battle with Shannon Frizell and possibly Luke Jacobson for minutes, but we’d expect the All Blacks will be keen to have a look at him.

Also in Finau’s corner is the fact he can also cover the lock position, which gives him more of a chance of playing in the Rugby Championship action.

3) Cam Roigard

The form scrum-half in New Zealand and Super Rugby Pacific in 2023, Roigard finished the campaign with an outstanding nine tries to his name.

Injury to TJ Perenara gave him greater minutes at the Hurricanes, and Roigard has shown he is readymade for elite-level rugby in a brilliant season.

"Cam Roigard is bit of a deer in headlights at the moment."

Dane Coles gives an update on how the new caps are settling into #AllBlacks camp. pic.twitter.com/PHW52E3VRv

— Sport Nation NZ (@SportNationNZ) June 28, 2023

Such a livewire in possession and with a slick service to boot, the 22-year-old could well be the long-term future of the All Blacks at scrum-half.

Once expects he will fight with Finlay Christie for a bench role behind Aaron Smith – both excellent nines – but hopefully, he’s given a decent shot.

2) Tamaiti Williams

There is a great deal of excitement surrounding the 22-year-old Crusaders front-rower after a stellar campaign that saw him step up to the plate.

Injuries to Fletcher Newell, Joe Moody and George Bower opened the door to Williams, and boy has he walked through it, taking his chance well.

The hulking star can cover both sides of the scrum – a rare and priceless commodity in this day and age – and is equally strong in either prop shirt.

Therefore expect him to feature a great deal this Rugby Championship, with good performances likely to seal him a Rugby World Cup squad spot.

1) Emoni Narawa

The Chiefs finisher tops our uncapped chart as his blistering form in Super Rugby Pacific is likely to transfer its way onto the international stage.

Narawa scored eight tries this season, showing his finishing prowess, but it was his all-round game that caught the eye as he looks the real deal.

The All Blacks are minus the injured Crusaders star Reece this year, so a position has opened up on the right wing in this Rugby World Cup year.

Battling for that place will be the likes of Mark Telea, Narawa, McLeod and possibly Will Jordan, but don’t be surprised if Narawa grabs the shirt.

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