Razor Backs ABs Experience for Grand Slam Tour

Robertson Names Experienced All Blacks Squad for November Grand Slam Tour

The All Blacks will embark on their November tour with a squad prioritizing experience, as head coach Scott Robertson unveiled a 36-player contingent for challenging Tests against Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The selection, announced today, largely avoids major surprises, signaling a continuation of the team’s recent experimentation while aiming for a coveted Grand Slam – a feat last achieved in 2010.

Robertson’s squad reflects a balance of seasoned veterans and emerging talent, having already integrated 19 debutants over the past two years. “We’ve got experience, we’ve got youth… the team needs to be really balanced to win Grand Slams – that’s what history shows,” Robertson explained.

The squad announcement comes with the added context of a concurrent All Blacks XV tour to London and Bath, coached by Jamie Joseph – widely considered a potential future All Blacks head coach. This parallel tour allows Robertson to simultaneously develop emerging players and maintain a core group focused on the immediate challenge of the Grand Slam. “As it is, Robertson and company have been able to metaphorically have their cake and eat it too,” a senior official stated.

Notably, the squad features no high-profile demotions, even for players who have seen limited game time recently, such as midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown and wing Sevu Reece. Hooker George Bell’s inclusion over Brodie McAlister is seen as a reward for strong NPC form and a response to McAlister’s recent struggles. Robertson confirmed that the All Blacks XV squad, to be named tomorrow, will include “a few bolters,” with Canterbury lock Sam Darry and McAlister already confirmed to participate. Otago halfback Dylan Pledger and Taranaki first-five Josh Jacomb are also in contention for spots.

The challenge for Robertson extends beyond simply winning four consecutive Tests. Maintaining player engagement across a 36-man squad, particularly with seven loose forwards and six midfielders selected, will be crucial. Several players, including Lienert-Brown, Reece, and even Rieko Ioane – the second most experienced back in the squad behind Beauden Barrett – have had limited opportunities recently.

Lienert-Brown has started only one Test this year, while Reece has fallen out of favor since the loss in Buenos Aires. Robertson addressed Reece’s selection directly, stating, “It’s another opportunity for Sevu to compete. We know what he can do when he’s at his best… To get the best out of him you need to keep an edge there which there is in the group.”

A potential opportunity for experimentation may arise in the final match of the tour against Wales, with speculation mounting about a possible start at No.10 for Ruben Love. Wales, currently ranked 12th in the world, presents a potentially favorable opportunity to test new combinations. The tour begins against Ireland, ranked third, in Chicago on November 2nd, followed by matches against England (5th), Scotland (8th), and Wales (12th).

Looking ahead, Robertson revealed the All Blacks will require a squad of “40-odd” players for the “Greatest Rivalry” tour of South Africa next year, which will include three Tests and four midweek games, totaling 17 matches – “the most we’ve had.” He emphasized the importance of the upcoming All Blacks XV tour in preparing for this demanding schedule. “

All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour squad:

Forwards:

• Codie Taylor (hooker, 34, Crusaders / Canterbury, 103)
• Samisoni Taukei’aho (hooker, 28, Chiefs / Waikato, 39)
• George Bell (hooker, 23, Crusaders / Canterbury, 3)
• Ethan de Groot (prop, 27, Highlanders / Southland, 37)
• Tamaiti Williams (prop, 25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 23)
• George Bower (prop, 33, Crusaders / Otago, 24)
• Fletcher Newell (prop, 25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 31)
• Pasilio Tosi (prop, 27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, 12)
• Tevita Mafileo (prop, 27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, *)
• Scott Barrett (lock, 31, Crusaders / Taranaki, 86) (Captain)
• Patrick Tuipulotu (lock, 32, Blues / Auckland, 56)
• Fabian Holland (lock, 23, Highlanders / Otago, 9)
• Josh Lord (lock, 24, Chiefs / Taranaki, 8)
• Samipeni Finau (lock/loose forward, 26, Chiefs / Waikato, 12)
• Simon Parker (loose forward, 25, Chiefs / Northland, 5)
• Ardie Savea (loose forward, 31, Moana Pasifika / Wellington, 103) (Vice-Captain)
• Du’Plessis Kirifi (loose forward, 28, Hurricanes / Wellington, 6)
• Wallace Sititi (loose forward, 23, Chiefs / North Harbour, 15)
• Peter Lakai (loose forward, 22, Hurricanes / Wellington, 5)
• Luke Jacobson (loose forward, 28, Chiefs / Waikato, 25)

Backs:

• Cortez Ratima (halfback, 24, Chiefs / Waikato, 18)
• Cameron Roigard (halfback, 24, Hurricanes / Counties Manukau, 14)
• Finlay Christie (halfback, 30, Blues / Tasman, 27)
• Beauden Barrett (first-five eighth/fullback, 34, Blues / Taranaki, 141)
• Damian McKenzie (first-five eighth/fullback, 30, Chiefs / Waikato, 70)
• Anton Lienert-Brown (midfield, 30, Chiefs / Waikato, 86)
• Jordie Barrett (midfield, 28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 77) (Vice-Captain)
• Quinn Tupaea (midfield, 26, Chiefs / Waikato, 21)
• Billy Proctor (midfield, 26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 9)
• Leicester Fainga’anuku (midfield/outside back, 26, Crusaders / Tasman, 8)
• Rieko Ioane (midfield/outside back, 28, Blues / Auckland, 87)
• Caleb Clarke (outside back, 26, Blues / Auckland, 30)
• Sevu Reece (outside back, 28, Crusaders / Southland, 36)
• Leroy Carter (outside back, 26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 3)
• Will Jordan (outside back, 27, Crusaders / Tasman, 50)
• Ruben Love (outside back/first-five eighth, 24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 4)

Unavailable due to injury: Tyrel Lomax; Tupou Vaa’i; Noah Hotham; Emoni Narawa; Ollie Norris; Ofa Tu’ungafasi; Asafo Aumua; Stephen Perofeta; Timoci Tavatavanawai.