Rugby enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an unforgettable clash! The All Blacks have officially announced their squad for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series and a gripping northern hemisphere tour, with their sights firmly set on securing New Zealand's fifth grand slam victory in November. But here's where it gets exciting—who will rise to the occasion, and could this be the perfect blend of experience and fresh talent to dominate the world stage?
At the heart of this announcement is Hurricanes prop Tevita Mafileo, who stands out as the sole uncapped player in the All Blacks lineup. For beginners wondering what that means, an 'uncapped' player is someone who hasn't yet represented the national team in an official international match, so Mafileo's inclusion is a thrilling opportunity for him to make his debut and potentially shine on the global rugby scene. Now 27 years old, he's stepping in after his Super Rugby teammate Tyrel Lomax was sidelined due to injury, joining a list of eight other players who are also unavailable for similar reasons. These injured stars include Tupou Vaa'i, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa, Ollie Norris, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, and Stephen Perofeta.
And this is the part most people miss— the strategic replacements that could make or break the team. Chiefs lock Josh Lord has been selected as Tupou Vaa'i's stand-in, surpassing options like Sam Darry and Naitoa Ah Kuoi, while Crusaders hooker George Bell earns a spot despite Asafo Aumua still recovering from his injury. Meanwhile, star No. 10 Beauden Barrett has bounced back from a shoulder issue that kept him out of the 28-14 triumph against the Wallabies in Perth, signaling a strong return to form. For those new to rugby, the No. 10 position is often the playmaker, directing the team's attacks with clever kicks and passes—think of it as the quarterback in American football.
To catch all the action, including the All Blacks versus Ireland and the entire 2025 Autumn Nations Series, every match will be available live and on demand on Stan Sport, the ultimate destination for rugby fans.
The tour kicks off with a high-stakes rematch against Ireland in Chicago on November 2 (AEDT), revisiting the iconic 2016 Soldier Field Test where Ireland, under coach Joe Schmidt, notched their first-ever win over the All Blacks. Following that, New Zealand faces Scotland in Edinburgh on November 9, England in London on November 16, and Wales in Cardiff on November 23 (all times in AEDT). To put this grand slam pursuit into perspective, it's a feat where a team wins all matches against the other home nations in the series—New Zealand first aimed for it back in 1905 and has succeeded in 1978, 2005, 2008, and 2010.
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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson shared his enthusiasm, saying, 'There's a rich history paving the way for our current group, and we're eager to draw honor and motivation from those past achievements.' He added, 'The rematch with Ireland at Soldier Field promises to be monumental, followed by tests against the northern hemisphere's elite on their turf—a perfect challenge. We're thrilled about this unique tour... It's genuinely awesome, chatting with former All Blacks who've tackled it; it's incredibly tough, yet an incredible chance for us. We've assembled a dynamic squad ready to deliver top-notch rugby.'
But here's where it gets controversial—some rugby pundits might argue that overlooking players like Sam Darry for Josh Lord could be a gamble, especially with injuries piling up. Is this squad too reliant on experience, or does Mafileo's fresh energy inject the spark needed? And what about Barrett's comeback—will his shoulder hold up, or is there a risk of setbacks? These selections spark debates: Are the All Blacks favorites to win the grand slam, or will the northern hemisphere's home advantage prove too much? New Zealand rugby has long been a powerhouse, but global shifts in the game, like faster-paced play and tactical innovations, might level the field more than ever before.
Here's the full All Blacks squad: Scott Barrett (captain), Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Tevita Mafileo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson, Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.
What do you think—can the All Blacks conquer the grand slam this time, or will history repeat itself with an upset? Do you agree with the squad selections, or would you have chosen differently? Share your opinions in the comments below; I'd love to hear your take and spark a friendly debate!
