All Blacks XV Squad Announced for November Matches Against Munster and Georgia
The All Blacks XV has officially named a 29-player squad ahead of their highly anticipated matches against Munster and Georgia this November. The selection features ten capped All Blacks, showcasing a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent as they prepare for their northern tour.
Key Additions and Notable Omissions
One standout selection is the inclusion of Blues loose forward Hoskins Sotutu, who was previously overlooked for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship and northern tour squads. His selection highlights the coaching staff’s commitment to acknowledging form and potential, as they aim to build a competitive squad.
Chiefs wingers Shaun Stevenson and Emoni Narawa also return to the All Blacks environment after being excluded earlier this season, signaling their opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage. Additionally, promising Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai and six-test lock Josh Lord have been recognized, with the All Blacks XV keen on mixing youth with experience in their forward pack.
However, there’s disappointment for Taranaki and Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli, who was a standout performer in the Blues’ title-winning Super Rugby Pacific season but did not make the final squad.
Strategic Preparations for Upcoming Matches
As part of their preparation, a select group from the All Blacks XV will travel to Japan with the All Blacks to gain invaluable experience in the test environment before joining the squad for their matches against Munster and Georgia. This approach reflects the team’s strategy of fostering growth and readiness ahead of the tour.
The selection process was a collaborative effort between the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching staff, led by head coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan. McMillan will be supported by assistants Cory Jane, Jamie Mackintosh, and David Hill, ensuring a well-rounded coaching approach.
Match Details and Broadcasting Information
The All Blacks XV will kick off their northern tour with the following fixtures:
- Sunday, November 3: All Blacks XV vs. Munster at 6:30 AM NZT, Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland.
- Monday, November 11: All Blacks XV vs. Georgia at 2:00 AM NZT, GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France.
Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport in New Zealand. For international viewers, the match against Munster will be available to stream live and free on New Zealand Rugby’s streaming service, NZR+, across more than 150 countries (excluding New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK). Similarly, the match against Georgia will be accessible via NZR+ outside of New Zealand and Georgia.
Full All Blacks XV Squad
Forwards (17)
- Props: Xavier Numia, George Dyer, Saula Ma’u, Marcel Renata, George Bower*
- Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund, Bradley Slater
- Locks: Josh Lord*, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Loose Forwards: Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Hoskins Sotutu*, Oliver Haig, Christian Lio-Willie
Backs (12)
- Halfbacks: Noah Hotham*, Finlay Christie*
- First Five-Eighths: Harry Plummer*, Josh Jacomb
- Midfielders: Quinn Tupaea*, Riley Higgins, AJ Lam, Dallas McLeod*
- Outside Backs: Kiniviliame Naholo, Emoni Narawa*, Chay Fihaki, Shaun Stevenson*
As the All Blacks XV prepares for these crucial matches, fans can look forward to an exciting showcase of rugby talent, blending experience with youthful energy in the heart of European rugby.
