Pacific pair among five new faces in All Blacks squad for French series

Five players have made their way into the All Blacks rugby squad for the very first time.

The selectors, including head coach Scott 'Razor' Robertson, former All Blacks coach Scott Hansen, and forwards coach Jason Ryan have chosen Crusaders' hooker Brodie McAlister, Chiefs' prop Ollie Norris, Hurricanes' backrower and captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, and the Highlanders' lock Fabian Holland and backline specialist Timoci Tavatavanawai.

They will join a 33-strong squad for the upcoming 2025 Lipovitan-D July Three-Test Series against France. Crusaders' duo Ethan Blackadder and David Havili are the main casualties. Both have been left out of the squad.

Tavatavanawai is a standout among the newcomers, being the only player from the Pacific Islands. He's known for his strength and speed, and is capable of playing both in the midfield and on the wing.

Originally from Fiji, Tavatavanawai played for the Fijian Under-20 team before moving to New Zealand. He made his debut for Tasman in the 2021 National Provincial Championship (NPC) and signed with Moana Pasifika in 2022.

In 2024, he joined the Highlanders, where he not only became a regular starter but also led the league in making turnovers during tackles.

His dynamic playing style has made him a key player for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby Pacific league. He has also been recognised for his leadership qualities, being named co-captain this year.

With more than 90 Super Rugby caps and nearly 70 NPC appearances, Kirifi - of Sāmoan and Tokelauan heritage - comes to the squad with vast experience and leadership qualities.

The 28-year-old loose forward attended Francis Douglas Memorial College with fellow Hurricane and First XV team-mate, Jordie Barrett.

Fijian flair: Timoci Tavatavanawai, of the Highlanders, and Sevu Reece, of the Crusaders, walk off at halftime during their Super Rugby Pacific match in Christchurch on 23 May. Reece has also been named in the All Blacks squad. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

Following school, Kirifi went on to play for the Taranaki and Waikato Under-19 sides, before debuting for Wellington in the 2017 NPC and breaking into the Hurricanes in 2019. Kirifi has captained the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes, and All Blacks XV during the 2024 end-of-year tour.

Kirifi excels in the breakdown, regularly winning turnovers and making a high tackle count. His work rate, imposing strength, and relentless energy throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season have caught the attention of All Blacks selectors.

Monday's announcement follows Saturday's Super Rugby Pacific season final, in which the Crusaders defeated the Chiefs 16-12 in Christchurch. Both teams feature prominently in this All Blacks squad.

In naming his first squad of the year, Razor, who took on the role from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, says he and his fellow selectors aimed to create a mix of familiar and fresh talent.

He says many players were part of the previous squad in 2024, and they want to continue the positive momentum from that time.

Du’Plessis Kirifi has impressed the All Blacks selectors. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

“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," Robertson announced on Monday.

"We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific."

Crusaders' lock Scott Barrett will return as the All Blacks Captain, supported by vice-captains Ardie Savea, who led Moana Pasifika to a historic seventh-place finish in Super Rugby this year, and Scott's brother Jordie Barrett, currently playing with the Irish club Munster and is expected to return to New Zealand.

“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complemented by Ardie and Jordie," Razor says.

"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.

Moana Pasifika skipper Ardie Savea returns as All Blacks vice-captain. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

“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 can make their mark in the black jersey, and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks."

The squad also welcome back two players - Chiefs' hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and midfielder Quinn Tupaea - who haven't played for the All Blacks in a while due to injuries.

Razor praised their resilience and performance in Super Rugby this year. “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.

"We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”

Two players have been named as injury cover - Highlanders' Christian Lio-Willie for Chiefs' flanker Luke Jacobson and Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa for his team-mate Anton Lienert-Brown.

Five players - Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, and Stephen Perofeta - are unavailable due to injury.

The All Blacks will gather in Auckland on Wednesday to start preparations for their first Test against the Les Bleus (The Blues) on 5 July, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

They will face the French again a week later at Sky Stadium in Wellington and then on 19 July at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton for the third and final test match.

Tickets for these matches are available for purchase.

Scott Barrett of the Crusaders will captain the All Blacks. Photo/John Davidson/Photosport

The full All Blacks squad follows age, Super Rugby club, province, and test caps. (* denotes new caps)

Hookers:
Codie Taylor (34, Crusaders / Canterbury, 96)
Samisoni Taukei’aho (27, Chiefs / Waikato, 30)
Brodie McAlister (28, Chiefs / Canterbury, *)

Props:
Ethan de Groot (26, Highlanders / Southland, 29)
Tamaiti Williams (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 18)
Ollie Norris (25, Chiefs / Waikato, *)
Tyrel Lomax (29, Hurricanes / Tasman, 44)
Fletcher Newell (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 22)
Pasilio Tosi (26, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, 7)

Locks:
Scott Barrett (31, Crusaders / Taranaki, 80) (Captain)
Patrick Tuipulotu (32, Blues / Auckland, 51)
Tupou Vaa’i (25, Chiefs / Taranaki, 38)
Fabian Holland (22, Highlanders / Otago, *)

Christian Lio-Willie, left, and Emoni Narawa have been named as injury-cover. Photo/John Davidson/Jeremy Ward/Photosport

Loose forwards:
Samipeni Finau (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 8)
Ardie Savea (31, Moana Pasifika / Wellington, 94) (Vice-Captain)
Du’Plessis Kirifi (28, Hurricanes / Wellington, *)
Wallace Sititi (22, Chiefs / North Harbour, 10)
Luke Jacobson (28, Chiefs / Waikato, 24)

Halfbacks:
Cameron Roigard (24, Hurricanes / Counties Manukau, 10)
Cortez Ratima (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 11)
Noah Hotham (22, Crusaders / Tasman, 1)

First-five eighths:
Beauden Barrett (34, Blues / Taranaki, 134)
Damian McKenzie (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 61)

Midfielders:
Anton Lienert-Brown (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 84)
Jordie Barrett (28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 68) (Vice-Captain)
Rieko Ioane (28, Blues / Auckland, 81)
Quinn Tupaea (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 14)
Billy Proctor (26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 2)
Timoci Tavatavanawai (27, Highlanders / Tasman, *)

Outside backs:
Caleb Clarke (26, Blues / Auckland, 29)
Sevu Reece (28, Crusaders / Southland, 32)
Will Jordan (27, Crusaders / Tasman, 41)
Ruben Love (24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 1)

Injury Cover - The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the Lipovitan-D July Series:
Christian Lio-Willie (26, Crusaders / Otago, *) for Luke Jacobson
Emoni Narawa (25, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 2) for Anton Lienert-Brown

Unavailable due to injury:
Asafo Aumua; Ofa Tu’ungafasi; Sam Darry; Peter Lakai; Stephen Perofeta.