The All Blacks will return again this weekend after their dominant 41–24 win against the Pumas in Córdoba. While many people were happy with the result, the performance left plenty to be desired. There was a severe lack of execution in the backline, who were outright carried by the forward pack. The coaching staff have preached continuity throughout the majority of their media availabilities; however, there has also been an acknowledgement that the backline did not perform. On top of all this, some of the big names are set to return from injury, so let’s dive into our predicted squad for the weekend.
Loose Head: Tamaiti Williams
A welcomed return this weekend for Tamaiti Williams, who will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time in a while. He’ll take the starting role from Ethan de Groot, who has actually been really solid this season, but the No. 1 jersey is Williams’ whenever he’s fit.
Hooker: Codie Taylor
It will be his 100th run-out in the black jersey, and the 34-year-old hooker deserves all the plaudits that come with his outstanding career. There is no doubt, given how effective he is in his core roles, that he is once again the perfect hooker to start against the powerful Pumas pack.
Tight Head: Fletcher Newell
Like de Groot, Newell has been a solid contributor in place of Tyrel Lomax, who has been slightly injury-plagued this season. For Newell, his best attribute this international year has been his scrummaging, which will be especially important against a big Argentine pack.
Lock: Fabian Holland
Holland is coming off another strong 72-minute performance at test level and will once again be in line to start this weekend. The start to his test career has been outstanding, and he’ll be given another chance to dominate the contact area and lineouts vs the Pumas.
Lock: Scott Barrett (c)
It wasn’t the best 55 minutes on his return to the test arena for the skipper, but with the three-lock look the coaching staff have been deploying this season, he will once again be in the starting lineup.
Blindside Flanker: Tupou Vaa’i
Not his most prolific start this past weekend, but he has made that blindside role his own through the early part of 2025 and will no doubt be lining up there again this weekend.
Openside Flanker: Ardie Savea
After being my man of the match this past weekend, Ardie could be in line to move back to his natural openside flanker position. As we’ve said many times, it doesn’t matter where he lines up because he’s world-class with any number on his back.
Number Eight: Wallace Sititi
The long-awaited return of the 2024 breakout player of the year should be upon us this weekend, as he needs the minutes before the Springboks come knocking. Wallace Sititi looked like a generational talent this time last year but has been hindered by injuries since his breakout. His return has been long awaited and is an exciting one for sure.
Halfback: Cortez Ratima
Ratima was up and down last week on the wing, performing below average in his core roles but offering a spark as a ball runner. With Roigard and Hotham still out, he is under no threat of missing the start again this weekend. However, all eyes will be on him, as the jury is still out on whether he is a genuine test-level starter.
First Five: Beauden Barrett
Solid off the tee last weekend but lacking any kind of magic in open play. He made no huge mistakes and is still without a doubt the leader in the clubhouse for the first five role, which means he should be suiting up again this weekend.
Left Wing: Sevu Reece
I think this coaching staff really like Ioane on the wing, and he seemed to grow into the role more as the French series went on. He’s decent in the air and provides electric pace on the wing that not many in the squad can match, which is why I think he will get the No. 11 jersey this weekend.
Second Five: Jordie Barrett
There’s no real question who will play outside the oldest Barrett brother, and that will be the youngest. Jordie is playing the best ball of his career as a well-rounded player with every tool at his disposal. He will continue to be the hub of attack for the All Blacks this weekend.
Centre: Billy Proctor
This one’s a bit contentious because Proctor has been underwhelming this year in an All Blacks jersey. However, reading the tea leaves, it seems the staff feel they have invested a lot of time and resources into the Hurricanes centre and believe it’s only a matter of time before he proves them right.
Right Wing: Emoni Narawa
The biggest change to the starting lineup for me should be the addition of Emoni Narawa, who was arguably the best winger in Super Rugby this past season. With Rieko Ioane struggling once again, I think it’s Narawa’s turn to get a shot at the starting role.
Fullback: Will Jordan
One position that will never be under question when he’s fit is Will Jordan at fullback. The try-scoring machine was at his best last weekend, but this time as a playmaker, and he will no doubt be the spark to the All Blacks’ attack this weekend.
The Bench
16: Samisoni Taukei’aho
17: Ethan de Groot
18: Pasilio Tosi
19: Samipeni Finau
20: Peter Lakai
21: Kyle Preston
22: Damian McKenzie
23: Timoci Tavatavanawai