Rugby: Bolters hinted for All Blacks XV squad

5:05 pm on 13 October 2025

Jamie Wall, Sports Journalist

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

While Scott Robertson has resisted the urge for changes in his main All Black squad for the upcoming end of year tour, he did reveal that a few new names will be playing for the All Blacks XV. The second-string side, coached by Jamie Joseph, is now very much shaping into the main development pathway for the All Blacks with several of this year's debutants having been in the side last year.

"There are a few bolters that are coming up tomorrow in the AB XV side," said Robertson.

"How do you create the cohesion; how do you get guys up to perform and give them enough trainings and time in the environment? That's the great thing about the AB XV, they get to travel, they get to tour, they get to experience it."

Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Devan Flanders, Noah Hotham - New Zealand All Blacks XV v Georgia, 2024. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz

Robertson has only made one form-based selection to his squad, with George Bell coming in to replace Brodie McAlister as the third hooker. Even then, Robertson confirmed that McAlister would be picked in the All Blacks XV and would theoretically be available if needed on the All Black tour.

"And look, if you look at the entirety of the squad, you know, we've had 19 debutants in the last two years…so it's in a great spot. We've got experience, we've got youth, it should be really balanced and experienced to win a Grand Slams, that's what history shows," he said.

While the All Blacks are facing Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales in consecutive weeks, the All Blacks XV have a three match schedule against the Barbarians, England A and Uruguay.

Marcel Renata leads the haka prior to New Zealand All Blacks XV v Georgia, France, 2024. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2024 www.photosport.nz

Meanwhile. Robertson confirmed that Samipeni Finau is additional lock cover alongside Josh Lord, which may well improve his chances of making it onto the bench given that versatility. There was some conjecture that Sam Darry was in line for a recall, but Robertson said the decision to go with Lord was down to the 2.03m lock being in the All Blacks as injury cover already.

"He's played a lot more rugby. He's been in and around the environment, Darry will be named tomorrow as well (in the All Blacks XV), so he can be a part of that group and actually play some rugby. That was the key, match fit locks…guys coming back into the squad need rugby."

The tour is the first time in 15 years that the All Blacks will play all four 'home' unions, and while it is being marketed as a Grand Slam tour, that status is somewhat debatable as the opening test against Ireland is on neutral territory in Chicago. Nevertheless, it still stands as a serious challenge for Robertson's All Blacks to show some consistency after an up and down Rugby Championship.

"Pressure's part of the job, I think you just use it as a fuel to excite you," he said.

"It's not often you get given these opportunities. So this one we're looking forward to taking and getting a shot as a group. We've just come off some incredibly testing test matches, we're in a position where it's the toughest and tightest has ever been. So it's another opportunity to show the way we play and our DNA."

All Black squad for the end of year tour

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (Captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), 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 (Vice-Captain), Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Unavailable due to injury: Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa'i, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa, Ollie Norris, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta