Oh, the drama of rugby selection never rests, does it? Jamie Joseph has just unfurled his latest tapestry, the 30-man All Blacks XV squad for their 2025 northern escapade. And guess what? It’s dripping with a juicy mix of grizzled Test veterans and sprightly newcomers. Among the seasoned warriors are the likes of David Havili and Dalton Papali’i, alongside fresh-faced hopefuls ready to sprint their way into rugby lore.
With an average age that’s a tender 25, this squad is less like a fine wine and more like a fizzy energy drink, bursting with the promise of explosive rugby. Lighting up the roster are young guns like winger Caleb Tangitau and prop Siale Lauaki, all set to make their mark. But not everyone’s RSVP got stamped, with Otago’s in-form halfback Dylan Pledger notably left thumbing through travel brochures at home.
Joseph’s selection brew seems to be a calculated blend of old heads and young legs. "It’s a squad with a good mix of experience and emerging talent and reflects the depth that’s building in the NPC and Super Rugby Pacific," the head coach mused. Tight calls? You bet. But Joseph insists they’ve nailed the balance.
"There were a number of players who have put their hands up during the NPC and that made for some tight calls, but we think we’ve got the balance right."
The All Blacks XV, a platform for showcasing and sharpening skills, is all about catapulting its brightest into the stratosphere of the main squad. "A core purpose of this team is to develop and promote players through to the next level," Joseph added, pointing towards the stars these players are meant to shoot for.
"No doubt some of these players will progress on to the All Blacks in future years and if that’s the case we will have done our job."
Set to tussle with the Barbarians, England A, and Uruguay this November, the All Blacks XV will be a proving ground for both the seasoned and the green. Will they blend into a smooth rugby cocktail, or will we witness the mixology equivalent of a shake and stir gone wrong? Only time will tell.
All Blacks XV squad:
Fowards – Brodie McAlister, Jack Taylor, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Josh Fusitua, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Xavier Numia, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Beehre, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Te Kamaka Howden, Christian Lio-Willie, Dalton Papali’i, Sean Withy.
Backs – Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Daniel Rona, Chay Fihaki, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau.
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Oh, the drama of rugby selection never rests, does it? Jamie Joseph has just unfurled his latest tapestry, the 30-man All Blacks XV squad for their 2025 northern escapade. And guess what? It’s dripping with a juicy mix of grizzled Test veterans and sprightly newcomers. Among the seasoned warriors are the likes of David Havili and Dalton Papali’i, alongside fresh-faced hopefuls ready to sprint their way into rugby lore.
With an average age that’s a tender 25, this squad is less like a fine wine and more like a fizzy energy drink, bursting with the promise of explosive rugby. Lighting up the roster are young guns like winger Caleb Tangitau and prop Siale Lauaki, all set to make their mark. But not everyone’s RSVP got stamped, with Otago’s in-form halfback Dylan Pledger notably left thumbing through travel brochures at home.
Joseph’s selection brew seems to be a calculated blend of old heads and young legs. "It’s a squad with a good mix of experience and emerging talent and reflects the depth that’s building in the NPC and Super Rugby Pacific," the head coach mused. Tight calls? You bet. But Joseph insists they’ve nailed the balance.
"There were a number of players who have put their hands up during the NPC and that made for some tight calls, but we think we’ve got the balance right."
The All Blacks XV, a platform for showcasing and sharpening skills, is all about catapulting its brightest into the stratosphere of the main squad. "A core purpose of this team is to develop and promote players through to the next level," Joseph added, pointing towards the stars these players are meant to shoot for.
"No doubt some of these players will progress on to the All Blacks in future years and if that’s the case we will have done our job."
Set to tussle with the Barbarians, England A, and Uruguay this November, the All Blacks XV will be a proving ground for both the seasoned and the green. Will they blend into a smooth rugby cocktail, or will we witness the mixology equivalent of a shake and stir gone wrong? Only time will tell.
All Blacks XV squad:
Fowards – Brodie McAlister, Jack Taylor, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Josh Fusitua, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Xavier Numia, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Beehre, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Te Kamaka Howden, Christian Lio-Willie, Dalton Papali’i, Sean Withy.
Backs – Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Daniel Rona, Chay Fihaki, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau.