In a move that screams "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named a formidable 36-man roster for the looming 2025 Grand Slam tour. This selection emphasizes continuity, featuring a blend of battle-hardened veterans and fresh faces. Leading the pack is seasoned second-row Scott Barrett, continuing as captain, with Crusaders' stalwart George Bell making a return as the squad's notable re-addition after missing out on the recent Rugby Championship. Joining the ranks as the only uncapped player is prop Tevita Mafileo.
The tour kicks off against Ireland at Chicago's Soldier Field, a venue haunted by memories of Ireland's historic 2016 victory over New Zealand—their first over the All Blacks in a Test match. This match sets the stage for a series of high-octane clashes across the United Kingdom, with New Zealand set to face Scotland, England, and Wales in succession. It's a significant journey, marking the first Grand Slam tour by the All Blacks in 15 years, a campaign where a Southern Hemisphere team aims to topple all four Home Nations.
"There is a lot of history that has led up to this opportunity for our group, so we will be honouring and taking inspiration from the feats that have come before us,"
Robertson declared.
"The rematch against Ireland at Soldier Field will be a huge occasion, and then facing some of the northern hemisphere's best at their home grounds is a fantastic challenge for us. We are looking forward to this very special tour."
This year's tour is not just about current glory but also celebrates a centenary of All Blacks' history, hearkening back to the 1905 northern tour undertaken by 'The Originals'. Since then, New Zealand has completed the Grand Slam four times—in 1978, 2005, 2008, and 2010. As they embark on this historic tour, the blend of experienced heads and dynamic newcomers in the squad suggests the All Blacks are as formidable as ever, ready to etch new victories into their storied legacy.
All Blacks Squad
Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (c), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
Backs: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
New Zealand’s 2025 end-of-year internationals
Saturday, 1 November: All Blacks v Ireland, Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago
Saturday, 8 November: All Blacks v Scotland, Scottish Gas
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In a move that screams "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named a formidable 36-man roster for the looming 2025 Grand Slam tour. This selection emphasizes continuity, featuring a blend of battle-hardened veterans and fresh faces. Leading the pack is seasoned second-row Scott Barrett, continuing as captain, with Crusaders' stalwart George Bell making a return as the squad's notable re-addition after missing out on the recent Rugby Championship. Joining the ranks as the only uncapped player is prop Tevita Mafileo.
The tour kicks off against Ireland at Chicago's Soldier Field, a venue haunted by memories of Ireland's historic 2016 victory over New Zealand—their first over the All Blacks in a Test match. This match sets the stage for a series of high-octane clashes across the United Kingdom, with New Zealand set to face Scotland, England, and Wales in succession. It's a significant journey, marking the first Grand Slam tour by the All Blacks in 15 years, a campaign where a Southern Hemisphere team aims to topple all four Home Nations.
"There is a lot of history that has led up to this opportunity for our group, so we will be honouring and taking inspiration from the feats that have come before us,"
Robertson declared."The rematch against Ireland at Soldier Field will be a huge occasion, and then facing some of the northern hemisphere's best at their home grounds is a fantastic challenge for us. We are looking forward to this very special tour."
This year's tour is not just about current glory but also celebrates a centenary of All Blacks' history, hearkening back to the 1905 northern tour undertaken by 'The Originals'. Since then, New Zealand has completed the Grand Slam four times—in 1978, 2005, 2008, and 2010. As they embark on this historic tour, the blend of experienced heads and dynamic newcomers in the squad suggests the All Blacks are as formidable as ever, ready to etch new victories into their storied legacy.
All Blacks Squad
Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (c), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
Backs: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
New Zealand’s 2025 end-of-year internationals
Saturday, 1 November: All Blacks v Ireland, Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago
Saturday, 8 November: All Blacks v Scotland, Scottish Gas