The Grand Slam is gone, and the All Blacks have an opportunity to cleanse the palate against what is probably going to be the weakest opponent of the four games. For the last time this year, we are going to preview an All Blacks game by providing a potential squad list.
Generally speaking, I have been interested in providing a predicted lineup based on what I think the selectors were going to do. This time, I am going to select a side I would like to see against Wales, while prioritising the opportunity for there to be some notable performances to hang our hats onto over the summertime.
Loose Head: Tamaiti Williams
I think Ethan de Groot has been steady this year as the front-line starter, but so has Tamaiti Williams off the bench. This weekend, it is time for Williams to get his starting opportunity and show off what makes him such an exciting prospect for the All Blacks.
Hooker: Samisoni Taukei’aho
Codie Taylor continues to have discipline issues, which have seemingly been an issue throughout most of his career. I also want to see Taukei’aho, who is by far the more dynamic athlete, get another chance to start, which is why I have him up front in this one.
Tight Head: Fletcher Newell
Making two changes in the front row was bold enough for me, so keeping Newell starting, who has chemistry with Williams, makes sense to me for the final game of the season.
Lock: Scott Barrett
I actually thought Scott Barrett was decent against England, however I certainly understand the narrative in the public surrounding him as captain. I do not think he is the guy either, but based on his play last time out, he should earn the starting job.
Lock: Fabian Holland
Holland has been one of the players who, throughout this season, has never dropped below an average level. In a season where many of his teammates have experienced ups and downs, the rookie lock has been as solid as they come and will no doubt be starting this weekend because of it.
Blindside Flanker: Wallace Sititi
Mentioning ups and downs, Wallace Sititi’s 2025 season has been just that, with his injuries and the rust he had to shake off when he returned. While I think Simon Parker has shown he is a test-level player, Sititi has demonstrated the X-factor we know he has in these last few outings and deserves the start this weekend.
Openside Flanker: Ardie Savea
I understand Ardie has lacked some of the wow moments we are used to from him. However, he is a shoe-in to start this weekend on the blindside and will hope to close the year on a high note.
Number Eight: Peter Lakai
The Hurricanes superstar has been the best player for the All Blacks in the last four games since he was given the starting jersey at the base of the scrum. His dominant carrying and athleticism have been superb, and he will also look to carry that momentum into the last game of the season.
Halfback: Cam Roigard
I cannot stress how big a gap there is between Cameron Roigard and the rest of the halfbacks around the country. This was shown at the weekend when Roigard went down, and the wheels completely fell off. As of writing, I am unsure if he is fit to go, but as there haven’t been reports otherwise, he makes the team.
First Five: Ruben Love
I spoke about this recently in an article, which discuses the No. 10 jersey being one of the core issues with the All blacks. This weekend, with the Grand Slam gone and both senior options struggling, why not give Ruben Love a chance to show us what he’s got? What do we have to lose, and who knows he might just put on a show.
Left Wing: Caleb Clarke
Clarke is the only winger who I feel should be a nailed-on starter for the All Blacks, as he always rises to the occasion in the black jersey. This is why I assume that, with him being out of the 12-day concussion stand-down period, he should be in line to start on his favoured left wing this weekend.
Second Five: Quinn Tupaea
Since being on the tour and becoming a regular starter, Tupaea has been a solid operator in any role the All Blacks have asked him to fill. With that being the case, I don’t see any reason for him to miss out against Wales.
Centre: Leicester Faingaʻanuku
Likewise, Faingaʻanuku has got the job done, whether that’s on the wing or in the midfield during his All Blacks action on this Grand Slam tour. I still think his perfect spot in the long run will be at centre, which is why I have him there for the last game of the year.
Right Wing: Caleb Tangitau
Bolter alert! That is Highlanders and Auckland’s dynamic winger Caleb Tangitau, who whenever fit, has been a stud for any team he has suited up for this season. I understand he wasn’t in the initial squad, and this is extremely unlikely to happen. But seriously, a player of his size and talent can’t be left out for long, and I think this is a perfect opportunity for his first taste of Test rugby.
Fullback: Will Jordan
I did think about having McKenzie at the back in this line-up to provide Love with a secondary playmaker, and I still think that could be the way to go if you were to start the young first five. I am going against my gut here and roll the dice with this selection, just because a duo of Love and Jordan, if not too overwhelmed and with front-foot ball, could be electric.
The Bench
16: George Bell
17: Ethan de Groot
18: Pasilio Tosi
19: Josh Lord
20: Duplesis Kirifi
21: Cortez Ratima
22: Billy Proctor
23: Damian McKenzie