As Scott Robertson unveils his 36-man All Blacks squad for the high-stakes Grand Slam tour, certain players are riding high while others face setbacks. With the tour kicking off against Ireland in Chicago, followed by clashes in the UK against Scotland, England, and Wales, let's dissect the winners and losers of Robertson's latest selections.
Winners
George Bell, at just 23, stands out as the fresh addition to the squad. Despite a foot injury sidelining him during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, Bell's stellar performance in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) with Canterbury has clinched his comeback. His rise is a testament to resilience and talent, making him a player to watch.
Tevita Mafileo, a robust front-rower from Bay of Plenty, has turned heads with his NPC exploits. His selection marks a pivotal career milestone, as this is his official All Blacks nod after being an injury cover during the Rugby Championship. "It's an honor to be selected, and I'm eager to prove my mettle on this tour," said Mafileo, reflecting his readiness for the challenge.
Josh Lord, despite criticism for his physicality, has managed to secure a spot, albeit likely as a bench option for the Wales test. His inclusion could be seen as fortunate, especially with injuries in the squad.
Finlay Christie's resurgence is another highlight. Following a pivotal game against the Springboks, Christie has outpaced rivals to claim the third scrum-half spot. His performance at Eden Park was a significant factor in this decision, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure.
Losers
The injured quartet; Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Emoni Narawa, and Noah Hotham, undoubtedly form the unfortunate list of losers, their absence felt across the board. Lomax's prowess in scrums will be particularly missed, a sentiment echoed by Robertson who lamented, "Losing players of such calibre always stings, but it's the resilience of the squad that will see us through."
Asafo Aumua's ongoing battle with injuries and concussion issues has also set him back, ruling him out of the Rugby Championship and this tour. His uncertain return adds a layer of concern regarding his future contributions.
Brodie McAlister and Christian Lio-Willie, both of whom have shown promise, find themselves outside the selected squad, a decision that will undoubtedly fuel their ambitions for a comeback.
Sam Darry, despite a strong NPC showing, has not made the cut due to stiff competition in the second-row department, marking another setback in his budding All Blacks career.
"It's an honor to be selected, and I'm eager to prove my mettle on this tour," said Mafileo, reflecting his readiness for the challenge.
"Losing players of such calibre always stings, but it's the resilience of the squad that will see us through," lamented Robertson, highlighting the impact of injuries on the team dynamics.
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As Scott Robertson unveils his 36-man All Blacks squad for the high-stakes Grand Slam tour, certain players are riding high while others face setbacks. With the tour kicking off against Ireland in Chicago, followed by clashes in the UK against Scotland, England, and Wales, let's dissect the winners and losers of Robertson's latest selections.
Winners
George Bell, at just 23, stands out as the fresh addition to the squad. Despite a foot injury sidelining him during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, Bell's stellar performance in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) with Canterbury has clinched his comeback. His rise is a testament to resilience and talent, making him a player to watch.
Tevita Mafileo, a robust front-rower from Bay of Plenty, has turned heads with his NPC exploits. His selection marks a pivotal career milestone, as this is his official All Blacks nod after being an injury cover during the Rugby Championship. "It's an honor to be selected, and I'm eager to prove my mettle on this tour," said Mafileo, reflecting his readiness for the challenge.
Josh Lord, despite criticism for his physicality, has managed to secure a spot, albeit likely as a bench option for the Wales test. His inclusion could be seen as fortunate, especially with injuries in the squad.
Finlay Christie's resurgence is another highlight. Following a pivotal game against the Springboks, Christie has outpaced rivals to claim the third scrum-half spot. His performance at Eden Park was a significant factor in this decision, showcasing his ability to shine under pressure.
Losers
The injured quartet; Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Emoni Narawa, and Noah Hotham, undoubtedly form the unfortunate list of losers, their absence felt across the board. Lomax's prowess in scrums will be particularly missed, a sentiment echoed by Robertson who lamented, "Losing players of such calibre always stings, but it's the resilience of the squad that will see us through."
Asafo Aumua's ongoing battle with injuries and concussion issues has also set him back, ruling him out of the Rugby Championship and this tour. His uncertain return adds a layer of concern regarding his future contributions.
Brodie McAlister and Christian Lio-Willie, both of whom have shown promise, find themselves outside the selected squad, a decision that will undoubtedly fuel their ambitions for a comeback.
Sam Darry, despite a strong NPC showing, has not made the cut due to stiff competition in the second-row department, marking another setback in his budding All Blacks career.
"It's an honor to be selected, and I'm eager to prove my mettle on this tour," said Mafileo, reflecting his readiness for the challenge.
"Losing players of such calibre always stings, but it's the resilience of the squad that will see us through," lamented Robertson, highlighting the impact of injuries on the team dynamics.