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As the All Blacks head into their end-of-year tour in Europe, Scott Robertson has named a squad that has opted for continuity and balance, but many fans with be left underwhelmed with a chance to experiment seemingly going begging. While some familiar faces return to reinforce depth, others have slipped down the pecking order after a patchy Rugby Championship campaign. The tour will be a testing ground for veterans and newcomers alike as the All Blacks look to return with a Grand Slam and Robertson looking to solidify his position.
Tevita Mafileo
Mafileo is the only uncapped player in the All Blacks’ 36-man squad for the 2025 Grand Slam tour. That All Blacks will use him to inject to bring fresh blood to the bench and test depth, especially in prop positions where injuries have bitten. Mafileo has strong scrummaging fundamentals and solid set-piece reliability, but has shown his mobility around the park will be a big asset.
Quinn Tupaea
Tupaea’s recall was one of the smarter calls. He has looked rejuventaed after his lengthy stint on the sidelines, and brings midfield threat, dynamism and try-scoring ability. A reminder that when the All Blacks move him into gear, he can change games. His confidence is back, and Europe is the stage.
Sam Darry
Has be thrown into the mix when injuries hit Patrick Tuipulotu, Darry has an oppurtunity to stake his claim. This tour could be his coming-of-age when he announces himself in the international arena. He’s shown composure in the lineouts and kept his physical edge through the pack.
Brodie McAlister
McAlister is earning headlines, but perhaps not in the way he’d like. A rough cameo in Wellington didn’t do his case any favours, and it seems to have cost him a place in the squad. In a tour where every minute counts, that kind of exposure can be costly.
Rieko Ioane
A hard fall from grace for one of New Zealand’s brightest stars. Ioane now finds himself on the outer in match-day selections. His ineffectiveness and inconsistency at centre in recent years have seen younger, sharper backs leapfrog him in selection. On this tour, his distribution and defensive reads need to improve if he wants to avoid slipping behind newer competitors.
Sevu Reece
With a number of electrifying prospects nipping at his heels and a season so far that hasn’t produced much flash, Sevu Reece could consider himself lucky to be touring North. He will need to re-capture his dazzling form to retain his spot on tour.