Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du’plessis Kirifi have been rewarded with a superior Super Rugby Pacific form with their choice in Scott Robertson’s first All Black Steam in 2025.
Robertson nominated a group of 33 on Monday and will now prepare for a three-test series against France, which begins in Dunedin on Saturday week.
Fiji-born Tabatavanawai, 27, has been a great one for the struggling Highlanders this season. The skipper poses constant threats to both sides of the ball to mount near-hard cases due to test selection.
And Kilifi wasn’t too late behind him. The Hurricane is the backlower at the heart of his mid-season revival. The open side was excellent at supporting his team in key vital wins over the Reds and Chiefs in their playoff runs.
Elsewhere, Tabatavanawai will be joined by his uncaped Highlanders teammate Rockfabian Holland, and Chiefs front row duos Ollie Norris and Brody McAllister will complete the international rookie quintet.
Meanwhile, Geordy Barrett rejoined New Zealand Rugby after playing Sabbatical at Rainster, winning the United Rugby Championship Final earlier this month.
His brother, Scott, will once again captain of the All Blacks, while Borden Barrett fights Damian Mackenzie and gives him the right to pilot No. 10 All Blacks.
“In this group, Scott’s leadership is highly regarded and often praises Ardie (Savea) and Jordie,” Robertson said through a media release.
“They will play an important role in supporting new players’ transition into the environment and providing their experience to ensure that their teams are set up for success,” he said.
“This is a particularly special day for the five players Ollie, Brody, Fabian, Dupulsis and Timosi. All of these players were impressed with our talent and work ethic and have earned the opportunity to be part of this All Black Steam.
Tabatavanawai’s decision now appears to be proven when he first joined the All Black Camp, as he refused the opportunity to play for Fiji in the past.
All Black Squad
forward: Codie Taylor, Redock Tachiho, Brodie McAaline; Ethan de P e Grot, King Oliems, Oliler Lomax, Flecher New, Bugs. Scott Barrett (captain), Patrick Tuoior and Hallu Holto. Seaspean Alding, Ardie Save, Du’plesis Cirfi, Wallace Simble, Luke Jaobson.
back: Cam Rogard, Cortez Latima and Noah Hotsum. Borden Barrett and Damien Mackenzie. Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai; Caleb Clark, Will Jordan and Reuben Love of Cebu Reese.
Injury cover: Christian Rio Willie (for Luke Jacobson), Emoni Narawa (for Anton Linath Brown).