Game one of Razor’s second campaign as the All Blacks head coach is coming up this weekend in Dunedin, as they begin a three-match test series against a France B-team. Even though the French have left some of their big names at home, I’m personally very excited for this series because it will give us a blueprint of what to expect in the Rugby Championship this season.
With that in mind, I want to take a look at the team I think the coaching staff will select for a game that is shaping up to be a statement match for the rest of the series. So, here is my expected 23 for game one!
Loose Head: Ethan de Groot
When I initially wrote this article, Tamaiti Williams was the first name I had on the teamsheet. However, he has just been ruled out of the series against France, which is a huge loss for the All Blacks. This means they will have to start either Ethan de Groot or debutant Ollie Norris. I’m not sure they would throw Norris into the fire, so de Groot will likely get the nod here.
Hooker: Codie Taylor
The 34-year-old, 95-test All Black once again claims the number 2 jersey in 2025 thanks to his impact all over the park. Especially with players like Aumua out injured, there are no real contenders to challenge him for the starting role.
Tight Head: Tyrel Lomax
Potentially the most underappreciated All Black in recent years is 29-year-old Hurricanes prop Tyrel Lomax. He stepped in alongside Ethan de Groot at a time when it looked like New Zealand had no true test-level props, and in my opinion, he has since become the best tight head in the world.
Lock: Scott Barrett
The All Blacks captain for the second year in a row is a guaranteed starter this week in Dunedin, as well as in any other important game when he’s fit this season. He wasn’t his usual self at the beginning of the Super Rugby season, but toward the end, he found his footing and will be hoping to carry that form into the test series.
Lock: Tupou Vaa’i
The All Blacks have invested heavily in Tupou Vaa’i over recent test seasons, giving him time to grow into a test-level lock, and now they’re seeing the results. Vaa’i has become a lineout monster and a strong performer across the park, even emerging as a vocal leader, which is a major boost for the All Blacks’ rebuild.
Blindside Flanker: Samipeni Finau
I’m not a massive fan of Finau’s game, but he has time to change my mind. Based on his power profile, I think he’ll be given the chance to do that this weekend. He should also get the nod due to the injuries in the New Zealand loose forward contingent, as he now seems like the most natural fit at number 6.
Openside Flanker: Du’Plessis Kirifi
A man who has toiled for years to become an All Black, Du’Plessis Kirifi should be given the nod at openside flanker this weekend, especially with Ardie Savea likely shifting to number 8 following the news that Wallace Sititi is out. Kirifi has earned this opportunity, and I expect him to show out if selected.
Number Eight: Ardie Savea
I thought he was going to don his more natural number 7 jersey this year, but with injuries to players like Wallace Sititi and Peter Lakai, he will likely be forced to move to the back of the scrum. Even there, he remains the best player in the world, making it a no brainer selection.
Halfback: Cam Roigard
When I predicted the full squad, I said Roigard is the second name on the teamsheet behind Savea, and I still believe that. Due to his many skills, he is better than any other number 9 in the country and is guaranteed to be the first-choice scrum-half, barring injury, for a long time.
First Five: Beauden Barrett
I have switched positions on this debate because I think Barrett currently gives the All Blacks the best chance to win games, thanks to his calm decision-making and overall skill set. It’s clearly a choice between him and McKenzie, but that Super Rugby final left a scarring image on McKenzie’s season for me.
Left Wing: Caleb Clarke
I understand he didn’t score a try this season for the Blues, but in modern rugby the role of the winger has evolved beyond just scoring tries. His power, ability, and dominance in the air last season while playing for the All Blacks make him a no-brainer for the first game of the campaign.
Second Five: Jordie Barrett
Personally, I won’t listen to anyone saying Barrett can’t be selected in the 12 jersey because he spent six months in Ireland. Barrett will be a dominant force with his well-rounded skill set in kicking, running, passing, and great defence, making him clearly the best option at 12 in the country.
Centre: Billy Proctor
One of the biggest questions this team will face is who will be the centre. For me, this is an easy choice, and it’s time to give Proctor his flowers because he has been dominant for a long time. He is a silky operator who breaks tackles in many different ways while also being a playmaker, which is essential to get the ball to the wingers in modern rugby. I’m not fully against Ioane, but it is Proctor’s time to shine, and he should get the first crack this year.
Right Wing: Sevu Reece
I think this is where the selectors will go, but I am not convinced by Reece at the test rugby level. I need to see him make the same kind of impact he does in the Red jersey, where he looks like a star. I also think the fact that only two wingers by trade were picked, shows the selectors are ready to give these two a fair chance to claim their jerseys.
Fullback: Will Jordan
I have personally seen Will Jordan at his best as a free-roaming wing throughout his career, but the All Blacks seem to prefer him in the 15 jersey, which is fine. I would like to see his playmaking skills take the next step, including improving his kicking game, which needs to be better as a fullback.