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Live sport on SN this weekendAll Blacks squad named for Rugby Championship
Sport Nation • August 4th, 2025 12:00 pm
Ardie Savea | Photo: Photosport
Coach Scott Robertson has announced the All Blacks squad to contest the Rugby Championship, starting later this month.
The group features four potential debutants with loose forward Simon Parker named in the squad, while prop Tevita Mafileo, halfback Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter have been included as injury cover.
Tyrel Lomax, Luke Jacobson, Cam Roigard, Noah Hotham and Caleb Clarke will not travel to Argentina while they recover from injury.
Among the returning cavalry who missed the France series in July are loosie Wallace Sititi, prop Tamaiti Williams. flanker Peter Lakai, halfback Finlay Christie and lock Josh Lord.
Not included are flanker Dalton Papali'i and No. 8 Christian Lio-Willie, who were called in against France as injury cover.
Robertson said the fringe players deserve their chance to push for their maiden Test caps.
"Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with," he noted.
"He has the ability to play blindside or No. 8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.
"While we are clearly disappointed for our men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.
"These players have earned the opportunity through consistent performance, and we know that they will take this chance. We are excited about what they will bring to the squad."
The All Blacks begin their campaign with a trip to South America to face Argentina, with Tests in Cordoba (August 17) and Buenos Aires (August 24).
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All Blacks Rugby Championship squad
Hookers:
Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister
Props:
Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks:
Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland
Loose forwards:
Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
Halfbacks:
Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Noah Hotham
First-five eighths:
Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders:
Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai
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Outside backs:
Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
Injury cover:
George Bower for Tamaiti Williams Tevita Mafileo for Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord for Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham, Kyle Preston for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham, Leroy Carter for Caleb Clarke
Rugby Championship Fixtures (NZT):
Sunday, August 17, 9.10am - All Blacks vs Argentina, Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Córdoba
Sunday, August 24, 9.10am - All Blacks vs Argentina, Vélez Sarsfield Stadium, Buenos Aires
Saturday, September 6, 7.05pm – All Blacks vs South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday, September 13, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, September 27, 5.05pm – All Blacks v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday October 4, 10.45pm – All Blacks v Australia, Optus Stadium, Perth
