The All Blacks have named a 33-player squad for their three rugby matches against France in July 2025. Coach Scott Robertson made several bold choices, including picking five new players and leaving out some well-known names from the Crusaders team. The announcement was made in Taranaki, a region tied closely to team captain Scott Barrett and his brothers.
Robertson explained that by keeping the squad smaller than expected, every player would likely get time on the field. While this may help with team performance, it could also help save money—New Zealand Rugby recently reported a $19.5 million loss.
Among the newcomers are Fabian Holland, a tall 22-year-old lock from the Highlanders who was born in the Netherlands, and Timoci Tavatavanawai, a midfielder from Fiji. Both players said their selections were emotional and meaningful for their families.
Du’Plessis Kirifi, a 28-year-old flanker, said he chose to stay in New Zealand this year to chase his dream of becoming an All Black. His hard work paid off.
However, not everyone was celebrating. Crusaders players George Bower, Ethan Blackadder, and David Havili were left out, even though they helped their team win the recent Super Rugby final. Robertson said he had to make difficult calls and focused on what was best for the team.
The squad will gather in Auckland at the end of the week to prepare for the first Test match against France on July 5 in Dunedin. Captain Scott Barrett said the team had already begun planning for the season, focusing on strong values and team spirit.
