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New Zealand All Blacks performance and selection

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-13 20:08 UTC → 2026-10-20 01:21 UTC · added removed

The New Zealand All Blacks have faced a period of challenging results, including three consecutive losses to South Africa. To address this, head coach Dave Rennie has implemented squad changes, such as the return of veteran hooker Codie Taylor to captain the side and the recall of fly-half Richie Mo’unga for the final Test against South Africa in Baltimore. Following the series against South Africa, the team shifted focus toward the Bledisloe Cup. Despite the absence of captain Ardie Savea due to shoulder surgery, the All Blacks secured a 50-19 victory over Australia at Eden Park, allowing the team to retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year. This success was bolstered by a subsequent 43-21 win over the Wallabies, with playmaker Damian McKenzie attributing the team’s form to their mental approach and forward pack mobility. However, the victory has victories have drawn criticism from All Blacks legends Kieran Read and Justin Marshall regarding Rennie’s selection choices. Read described omitted lock Fabian Holland as a ‘world-class player’ and suggested he should be partnering Scott Barrett in the second row. Marshall questioned the matchday squad composition, specifically the decision to include both Josh Moorby and Rieko Ioane as replacements. Both former players expressed concerns over experimental changes and called for greater consistency ahead of In addition to selection concerns, Rennie has signaled intentions to challenge officiating procedures at an upcoming Nations Championship Tests against Scotland, Wales, World Rugby meeting. While accepting a specific TMO ruling involving Cam Roigard, Rennie raised concerns regarding game management and England. whether teams should lose playing time during lengthy video reviews. Regarding squad selection, Rennie has addressed the continued absence of Du’Plessis Kirifi, citing disciplinary issues and high penalty counts as the primary reasons for his exclusion. Additionally, the counts. The coaching staff also continues to evaluate Leicester Fainga’anuku for a hybrid role covering wing, midfield, and loose forward positions to potentially facilitate a 6-2 bench split, role, pending his match fitness.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-20 01:21 UTC New Zealand All Blacks performance and selection
  2. 2026-10-13 20:08 UTC New Zealand All Blacks performance and selection
  3. 2026-10-04 07:16 UTC New Zealand All Blacks rugby performance and selection
  4. 2026-10-01 20:09 UTC New Zealand All Blacks rugby performance and selection

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