“We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks,”- All Blacks coach Scott Robertson
The All Blacks have named their 33 man squad for the upcoming test series with France. This includes five new names in the side including Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du Plessis Kirifi.
Both players are coming off great season performances in this years Super Rugby Pacific season, and have been described by coach Scott Robertson as “possessing the ability to make their mark in the black jersey”
For Kirifi, although he may be a new callup in terms of the black jersey, his vast experience within the rugby scene in New Zealand is regarded as one of the very best.
With over 90 Super Rugby caps and nearly 70 NPC appearances to his name, Du’Plessis Kirifi comes to the squad with vast experience and leadership qualities. He attended Francis Douglas Memorial College with fellow Hurricane and First XV teammate, Jordie Barrett.
Following school, Kirifi went on to play for the Taranaki and Waikato Under-19 sides, before debuting for Wellington in the 2017 NPC then breaking into the Hurricanes in 2019. Kirifi has captained the Wellington Lions, Hurricanes and the All Blacks XV during the 2024 end of year tour.
Kirifi excels in the breakdown, regularly winning turnovers and making a high tackle count. His work rate, imposing strength and relentless energy throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season has caught the attention of All Blacks selectors.
After a stellar two seasons with Moana Pasifika, Tavatavanawai made the switch over to Highlanders in which he featured majorly for this year.
Tavatavanawai was born and raised in Fiji and played for the Fiji National Under 20 rugby team, before moving to New Zealand and making his debut for Tasman in the 2021 NPC. He earned a Super Rugby contract with Moana Pasifika in 2022 before joining the Highlanders in 2024 where he started every game and topped Super Rugby Pacific for turnovers won at the tackle.
Tavatavanawai’s physicality, agility and explosive power see him regularly breaking tackles, forcing turnovers and finding the try line. His on and off-field leadership has been hailed by the Highlanders, who named him co-captain for the 2025 season.
Making his return also in the All Blacks jersey is Samisoni Taukeiaho. After missing out last season due to being riddled with injuries, the Chiefs hooker makes his way back into the squad hoping to make an impact if selected against France.
Taukeiaho joins his Chiefs teammate Quinn Tupaea as part of the returning players from injuries.
“These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year. We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.”
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on 25 June for preparations for the match against France on 5 July in Dunedin.
