Butt Crust Raiders Vs the Chiffs

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Jun 21, 2025, 12:57

Did anybody watch this game this morning? Any players to look out for this season championship?

Jun 21, 2025, 22:17

DSFGH

Jun 21, 2025, 22:32

Will Jordan at fullback was outstanding especially in the air.

Our front row of Williams, Taylor and Newell dominated at scrum time.

Non ABs to watch out for is Rehana at 10 looked a million dollars but doubt he will be in the ABs this year unless injuries strike but if he keeps developing like he has this year he will be wearing black. Christian Lio-Willie plays at number 8, expect him to be named for the ABs

Jun 22, 2025, 01:20

All Blacks squad: The rookies who could make it into Scott Robertson’s side

Liam NapierBy Liam Napier

Senior Sports Journalist·NZ Herald·

21 Jun, 2025 05:54 PM7 mins to read


Save


Fabian Holland has impressed with the Highlanders this season. Photo / Photosport

Fabian Holland has impressed with the Highlanders this season. Photo / Photosport

Four rookies could force their way into the first All Blacks squad of the year, but with a squeeze set to strike the stacked loose forwards, there will be just as much interest in who misses the cut.

While Scott Robertson adopted a conservative selection policy... for his maiden season at the helm, the All Blacks blooded 10 debutants last year.

Most of those fresh faces are expected to continue their development, but Blues lock Sam Darry is injured, playmaker Harry Plummer is leaving for France and Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai could be among those to feel the pinch.

Robertson, as he did in his first, challenging foray as All Blacks coach last July, will be intent on using his full squad in three home tests against France. But after welcoming a host of rookies in 2024, this year’s focus will largely switch to building combinations and cohesion which leaves less room for another new intake.

The bulk of the All Blacks squad will, therefore, have tasted test rugby, but the likes of Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, Blues prop Josh Fusitu’a or Chiefs counterpart Ollie Norris, Hurricanes openside Du’Plessis Kirifi and Chiefs wing Leroy Carter are among the rookies pushing for inclusion.

Darry’s absence is expected to pave the way for Netherlands-born lock Holland to crack the All Blacks squad for the first time.

Holland, following eligibility clearance, featured for the All Blacks XV before impressing Robertson and senior players while training with the All Blacks at the backend of the northern tour.

After another standout season for the Highlanders, the 22-year-old is now expected to earn his maiden All Blacks inclusion ahead of Chiefs second-rowers Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Josh Lord.

Injuries open the door in the front row with Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua expected to miss the July series after blowing his hamstring out in training which could pave the way for George Bell to retain his place.

George Bell went on the All Blacks end-of-season tour to Europe last year. Photo / Alyse Wright, NZMEGeorge Bell went on the All Blacks end-of-season tour to Europe last year. Photo / Alyse Wright, NZME

With veteran All Blacks and Blues prop Ofa Tu?ungafasi sidelined after neck surgery, the All Blacks must summon at least one loosehead replacement, too.

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Crusaders prop George Bower, having played 22 tests, is the likely frontrunner but the dynamic and mobile Fusitu’a or Norris could be included with Xavier Numia dropping down the pecking order due to his penalty count at scrum time.

“Ofa’s experience last year was so valuable to us,” All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan told the Herald last week. “He finished games in that area and was a point of difference. It does give an opportunity for another couple of boys potentially.

“What that looks like and who that is we’re pretty open in the next couple of weeks. Some lads have finished their season as well. Without putting names on anyone, it’s pretty open but there’s some good lads playing some good footy.”

The big squeeze comes in the loose forwards where the All Blacks cannot select all incumbents and in form contenders.

In a 36-man squad, the All Blacks selected seven loose forwards for last year’s northern tour.

Robertson can select as many as 35 players for France but with a desire to give everyone game time in July, he may include fewer than that.

Of those to feature regularly for the All Blacks, Blues openside Dalton Papali’i could be sweating on his inclusion.

Injuries prevented Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and Luke Jacobson from featuring on last year’s northern tour and with Hurricanes co-captain Kirifi delivering a compelling season with his turnover proficiency influential, he could demand a maiden call-up.

Kirifi is believed to have been close to moving to Japan before he was encouraged to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby through to 2027 earlier this year.

Papali’i was long considered Sam Cane’s heir apparent but he fell out of favour with Robertson last year.

Dalton Papali'i against Henry Slade. Photo / PhotosportDalton Papali'i against Henry Slade. Photo / Photosport

While he was consistently strong from a defensive point of view this season, his impact with ball in hand has diluted with the Blues tight, direct style under Vern Cotter.

Lakai remains one of the best ball carriers in the New Zealand game. The 22-year-old is undoubtedly the future of the All Blacks loose forwards, but after impressing against France in Paris last year he hasn’t reached that level with the Hurricanes this season and is also believed to be carrying a knee injury.

Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker is another prospect to impress, but he is expected to be ruled out of contention by a six-to-eight-week ankle injury which could grant teammate Samipeni Finau a reprieve.

Crusaders No 8 Christian Lio-Willie is another big mover but Ryan knows the All Blacks can’t find room for everyone.

“The loose forwards, I don’t know what it is but it’s the same every year and that’s a compliment to our game and New Zealand,” Ryan said. “We’ve got such a broad range of loose forwards that have a unique skill set of their own, whether they’re specialist sevens or six, seven, eight.

“It’s phenomenal how Ardie Savea has played this year, and how that will look in our mix is going to be at the forefront of our thinking before we name the squad.”

Ardie Savea celebrates a Moana Pasifika victory. Photo / PhotosportArdie Savea celebrates a Moana Pasifika victory. Photo / Photosport

While Wallace Sititi and Savea are certain starters, the perennial question of who is the All Blacks’ long-term blindside remains unanswered.

“That’s a fair comment. It would be nice if someone put their hand up and said ‘it’s me’ but that’s been a bit mixed with who is playing there and how teams are using different players at different times in that position,” Ryan said.

“As we get into the season someone will step up I’ve got no doubt about that.”

In the backs uncertainty surrounds the All Blacks third first five-eighth behind Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie after Stephen Perofeta missed the majority of the Blues season with a lingering calf complaint.

Anton Lienert-Brown’s recovery from a broken collarbone casts doubt over his involvement, too, with a potential fine line call looming between Crusaders captain David Havili and Quinn Tupaea, the latter deserving of a recall after reaffirming his status among Super Rugby’s leading midfielders this season.

Mark Tele’a’s decision to commit his long-term future to Japanese club Toyota is likely to create a vacancy in the outside backs, with the All Blacks preferring to invest in the future.

Caleb Clarke, despite not scoring a try with the Blues this season, and Sevu Reece are expected to be retained alongside the versatile Ruben Love who can cover fullback, first five-eighths and wing.

Chiefs rookie Leroy Carter could, though, be a bolter of sorts with his speed proving a point of difference, unless Chay Fihaki is included after his surprising inclusion to train with the All Blacks last year.

While the non-Super Rugby finalists gathered for a three-day camp in Tauranga this week, further injury setbacks or compelling performances in Saturday’s decider between the Crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch could determine the last tight selection calls.

Last year, Sititi stormed into the All Blacks squad with a superb performance in the Chiefs semifinal victory against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

With the All Blacks selectors watching on, fringe prospects such as sevens convert Carter, Norris, Tupaea, Emoni Narawa and Lio-Willie have everything to play for.

“If we weren’t sure what our squad was now, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs properly, but you do get to see players under pressure in finals,” Ryan said. “There’s something on the line. We saw that in the quarter-finals weekend where the accuracy wasn’t quite dialed in. That gets us thinking and probably reconfirms a few things.”

Likely All Blacks squad:

Props: Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower/Josh Fusitu’a/Ollie Norris

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell

Locks: Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland

Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Samipeni Finau

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham

First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Ruben Love

Midfield: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor, David Havili, Anton Lienert-Brown

Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter/Chay Fihaki

Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.



AB squad

All Blacks squad naming: Live updates as Scott Robertson names his first selections of 2025

Alex PowellBy Alex Powell

Sports Journalist·NZ Herald·

23 Jun, 2025 11:52 AM6 mins to read

Save


Where does this Crusaders' win rank?


Current Time 2:38

/

Duration 3:48





NOW PLAYING • Where does this Crusaders' win rank?

Herald sports reporters Alex Powell and Cam McMillan run Ryan Bridge through the weekend of sport, including the Crusaders Super Rugby title.

Live coverage as Scott Robertson names his first All Blacks squad of 2025 at 12pm

The All Blacks face France in three tests from Saturday July 5

All Blacks squad: * = new selection

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, Fabian Holland*, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i

Loose forwards:

Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi*, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson

Halfbacks:

Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard

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, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Sevu Reece

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

Latest

Oldest

12:10 pm

There it is

Wow! Some huge calls in there.

Five new players - Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Some big names miss out too - there's no room for Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder or David Havili.



12:00 pm

Minutes away!

Here we go then, New Zealand Rugby chairman and former All Blacks captain David Kirk will read the squad out.



11:50 am

Ten minutes to go ...

It's getting closer! Don't go anywhere, we'll bring you the full squad list as soon as we have it.



11:29 am

Liam Napier's picks

The NZ Herald's resident rugby writer has had his say, and reckons we could see four new faces for this first squad.

New All Blacks squad: The four rookies who could get call-up

As many as four rookies could force their way into Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad.



11:16 am

Kirifi earns his chance?

With Sam Cane in Japan, Du'Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes might just be the man to wear No 7. He's had to be patient, but there'd be few who would argue he's not earned a first call-up.

The next ABs No 7? How Kirifi became NZ’s top breakdown operator

The Hurricanes captain is doing everything possible to grab the All Blacks jersey.



11:07 am

The clock is ticking

If you're just joining us now, there are less than 60 minutes before we hear who's in – and who's out.

Last year's first squad saw five uncapped players – George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima and Billy Proctor.

How many new names will be read out today?



10:31 am

Has Tavatavanawai done enough?

If this squad was named after the first few weeks of the season, Highlanders standout Timoci Tavatava would surely have been in there.

Capable of covering both wing and midfield, his early displays turned the right heads. But will he pay the price for the Highlanders' poor season?

Phil Gifford: Tavatavanawai must be an All Black, despite Highlanders' failure

OPINION: Eight talking points from the final regular season round of Super Rugby Pacific.



09:52 am

Bolter watch

Last year saw Pasilio Tosi called up after an impressive season with the Hurricanes, but whether or not this year's squad have a genuine "bolter" remains to be seen.

One player who could fit that tag is Blues prop Josh Fusitu'a. The 24-year-old has taken his chance in Ofa Tu'ungafasi's absence, but has he done enough to crack Razor's front-row stocks?

Breakthrough Blues star who could seize All Blacks vacancy

Exciting propping prospect Josh Fusitu'a is challenging for national honours.



09:15 am

What to do on the wing?

Mark Tele'a leaving for Japan has left a hole in the No 14 jersey.

While he's technically still eligible, it wouldn't be pragmatic to pick the Blues flyer for this season.

So who, then, will get the nod?

Paul Lewis: How Mark Tele'a exit opens door for bold selections

OPINION: The speedy winger is leaving NZ rugby, opening a spot on the All Blacks wing.



08:41 am

Fabian Holland's time?

One newbie who can be very confident today is Highlanders lock Fabian Holland.

The 22-year-old Dutchman is now eligible to be an All Black, after relocating to Aotearoa from the Netherlands.

Holland impressed while training with the squad at the end of last year, and Sam Darry's injury could just be his opening.

How Dutch-born lock's All Blacks dream is within reach

Fabian Holland is on the cusp of realising his dream after shifting to NZ as a teenager.



08:12 am

How many new faces?

Like every fresh All Blacks squad, there will be plenty of interest in how many uncapped players are called up for the first time.

With Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a already in Japan, or on their way shortly, there are holes to fill.

What's more, injuries to Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry and Ofa Tu'ungafasi also open the door for others.

We'll know just after lunchtime ...




Jun 23, 2025, 02:18

vbn

Jun 23, 2025, 02:19

cvbn

Jun 23, 2025, 02:24

All Blacks squad naming: Live updates as Scott Robertson names his first selections

All Blacks squad: * = new selection

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, Fabian Holland*, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i

Loose forwards:

Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi*, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson

Halfbacks:

Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard

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, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Sevu Reece

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

Latest

Oldest

12:10 pm

There it is

Wow! Some huge calls in there.

Five new players - Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi and Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Some big names miss out too - there's no room for Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder or David Havili.



12:00 pm

Minutes away!

Here we go then, New Zealand Rugby chairman and former All Blacks captain David Kirk will read the squad out.



11:50 am

Ten minutes to go ...

It's getting closer! Don't go anywhere, we'll bring you the full squad list as soon as we have it.



11:29 am

Liam Napier's picks

The NZ Herald's resident rugby writer has had his say, and reckons we could see four new faces for this first squad.

New All Blacks squad: The four rookies who could get call-up

As many as four rookies could force their way into Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad.



11:16 am

Kirifi earns his chance?

With Sam Cane in Japan, Du'Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes might just be the man to wear No 7. He's had to be patient, but there'd be few who would argue he's not earned a first call-up.

The next ABs No 7? How Kirifi became NZ’s top breakdown operator

The Hurricanes captain is doing everything possible to grab the All Blacks jersey.



11:07 am

The clock is ticking

If you're just joining us now, there are less than 60 minutes before we hear who's in – and who's out.

Last year's first squad saw five uncapped players – George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima and Billy Proctor.

How many new names will be read out today?



10:31 am

Has Tavatavanawai done enough?

If this squad was named after the first few weeks of the season, Highlanders standout Timoci Tavatava would surely have been in there.

Capable of covering both wing and midfield, his early displays turned the right heads. But will he pay the price for the Highlanders' poor season?

Phil Gifford: Tavatavanawai must be an All Black, despite Highlanders' failure

OPINION: Eight talking points from the final regular season round of Super Rugby Pacific.



09:52 am

Bolter watch

Last year saw Pasilio Tosi called up after an impressive season with the Hurricanes, but whether or not this year's squad have a genuine "bolter" remains to be seen.

One player who could fit that tag is Blues prop Josh Fusitu'a. The 24-year-old has taken his chance in Ofa Tu'ungafasi's absence, but has he done enough to crack Razor's front-row stocks?

Breakthrough Blues star who could seize All Blacks vacancy

Exciting propping prospect Josh Fusitu'a is challenging for national honours.



09:15 am

What to do on the wing?

Mark Tele'a leaving for Japan has left a hole in the No 14 jersey.

While he's technically still eligible, it wouldn't be pragmatic to pick the Blues flyer for this season.

So who, then, will get the nod?

Paul Lewis: How Mark Tele'a exit opens door for bold selections

OPINION: The speedy winger is leaving NZ rugby, opening a spot on the All Blacks wing.



08:41 am

Fabian Holland's time?

One newbie who can be very confident today is Highlanders lock Fabian Holland.

The 22-year-old Dutchman is now eligible to be an All Black, after relocating to Aotearoa from the Netherlands.

Holland impressed while training with the squad at the end of last year, and Sam Darry's injury could just be his opening.

How Dutch-born lock's All Blacks dream is within reach

Fabian Holland is on the cusp of realising his dream after shifting to NZ as a teenager.



08:12 am

How many new faces?

Like every fresh All Blacks squad, there will be plenty of interest in how many uncapped players are called up for the first time.

With Sam Cane and Mark Tele'a already in Japan, or on their way shortly, there are holes to fill.

What's more, injuries to Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry and Ofa Tu'ungafasi also open the door for others.

We'll know just after lunchtime ...




 
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