In a bold move, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson might throw four uncapped players into the fray for the upcoming brawl against France in Dunedin. With an injury reshuffling the pack, the scene is set for some fresh Kiwi talent to strut their stuff on the international stage.
The unexpected injury to 2024's breakout star Wallace Sititi has tossed a bit of chaos into Robertson's lineup strategies. Originally planning to shift Sititi to his prime position at number eight, Robertson now has to pivot. The silver lining? It opens the door for Crusaders’ powerhouse Christian Lio-Willie, who's been tearing up the turf at number eight.
"Wally, we know the performances he's given us in an All Blacks jersey so we'll miss him,”
Robertson lamented. He quickly added,
"It gives someone else an opportunity. Christian was in and around the squad and has played great at number eight and we've got the ability for guys to play in a number of positions so the utility factor will come into play."
With Lio-Willie possibly starting, Ardie Savea might just stick to his guns at number eight, a role he's embraced spectacularly during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. This shuffle could pave the way for Du’Plessis Kirifi to debut at openside.
The All Blacks aren’t stopping there. The injury to prop Tamaiti Williams means Ollie Norris might snag a bench spot, and let’s not overlook Fabian Holland. This Dutch-born lock has been locking down his game with the Highlanders and could find himself in the 23.
Yet, despite the buzz around Timoci Tavatavanawai, dubbed "Ma’a Nonu on steroids" by none other than Justin Marshall, this versatile back might just sit out the first Test due to stiff competition in the outside backs. It’s a testament to the depth and talent swirling around this All Blacks squad.
Robertson is keen on mixing tried and tested combinations with a sprinkle of new blood.
"That’s the art of it isn’t it? You want to give everyone a go,"
he asserted, highlighting the balance he aims to strike throughout the series.
It's clear the All Blacks are not just looking to compete but also to experiment and evolve. With new caps potentially on the horizon and strategic shifts in play, the upcoming series against France promises some intriguing rugby theatre.
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In a bold move, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson might throw four uncapped players into the fray for the upcoming brawl against France in Dunedin. With an injury reshuffling the pack, the scene is set for some fresh Kiwi talent to strut their stuff on the international stage.
The unexpected injury to 2024's breakout star Wallace Sititi has tossed a bit of chaos into Robertson's lineup strategies. Originally planning to shift Sititi to his prime position at number eight, Robertson now has to pivot. The silver lining? It opens the door for Crusaders’ powerhouse Christian Lio-Willie, who's been tearing up the turf at number eight.
"Wally, we know the performances he's given us in an All Blacks jersey so we'll miss him,”
Robertson lamented. He quickly added,"It gives someone else an opportunity. Christian was in and around the squad and has played great at number eight and we've got the ability for guys to play in a number of positions so the utility factor will come into play."
With Lio-Willie possibly starting, Ardie Savea might just stick to his guns at number eight, a role he's embraced spectacularly during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. This shuffle could pave the way for Du’Plessis Kirifi to debut at openside.
The All Blacks aren’t stopping there. The injury to prop Tamaiti Williams means Ollie Norris might snag a bench spot, and let’s not overlook Fabian Holland. This Dutch-born lock has been locking down his game with the Highlanders and could find himself in the 23.
Yet, despite the buzz around Timoci Tavatavanawai, dubbed "Ma’a Nonu on steroids" by none other than Justin Marshall, this versatile back might just sit out the first Test due to stiff competition in the outside backs. It’s a testament to the depth and talent swirling around this All Blacks squad.
Robertson is keen on mixing tried and tested combinations with a sprinkle of new blood.
"That’s the art of it isn’t it? You want to give everyone a go,"
he asserted, highlighting the balance he aims to strike throughout the series.It's clear the All Blacks are not just looking to compete but also to experiment and evolve. With new caps potentially on the horizon and strategic shifts in play, the upcoming series against France promises some intriguing rugby theatre.