All Blacks pick Du'Plessis

NEW Zealand coach Scott Robertson named five debutants in a 33-man squad skippered by Scott Barrett for three Tests against France, as Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder and David Havili missed out.

The new faces include forwards Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, and Du'Plessis Kirifi, along with wing Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Robertson said the line-up for Tests next month in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton was a balance of “continuity and opportunity”.

He explained: “Around three-quarters of the players named were part of our squad for the 2024 northern tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year.

“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.

“For the five uncapped players this is a particularly special day.”

ALL BLACKS SQUAD

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett (captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson. 

Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.