Ex-All Blacks left shocked over Du'Plessis Kirifi omission from All Blacks squad

Ex-All Blacks James Parsons and Jeff Wilson have been left shocked at the omission of Hurricanes openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi in the first All Blacks squad of 2026.

After the co-captain lead the Hurricanes to a comprehensive 60-5 win over the Chiefs in the Super Rugby Pacific final, Kirifi was one of the notable omissions from Dave Rennie’s first squad.

Parsons said that Kirifi “could not have done anymore” as a player after his most impressive season yet with the Hurricanes, and the selection of Savea as captain suggests that he will be an 80-minute player.

“I don’t think he could [have done any more],” Parsons said of Kirifi on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown. 

“There’s no way he could have played any better, like statistically and visually.

“It’s the best season he’s had, and I think as a leader he’s been exceptional as well. But I think it’s like the captain [Savea] to me, it says he will be at seven, and there’s no intention of subtle him off, that’s 80 minutes.

“The versatility is all in that six and eight with a Segner who can cover seven.”

The loose forwards selected include a number of versatile options who can play openside if needed including Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson and newcomer Anton Segner.

Rennie explicitly made it clear he sees Segner as a seven which could’ve played against Kirifi in the final decision.

Ex-All Black Jeff Wilson said that the role of the extra loose forward on the bench was for a versatile player.

“I think in some ways that role off the bench has never been a specialist, right? It’s never been a specialist position, you’ve always wanted someone who can cover,” Wilson said.

“Luke Jacobson, for example, can play all of them. I’m interested in the balance, and particularly the sixth jersey going forward, the fact that where they’re going to look at that and go, that’s the difference in terms of when you’re playing South Africa, you’re playing France, and then you’re playing in Italy,

“The versatility you have there, and it’s whether Wallace Sititi is the guy that fills that role.

“So it’s a difficult one, because everyone knows I’m a fan of the way Du’Plessis Kirifi leads and plays, and I have no doubt he’ll be a part of that trip to South Africa, and it’s nice to know that he is around and there.”

Dave Rennie himself confirmed he spoke with Kirifi directly to inform him of the decision along with others like Rieko Ioane, who is still in Ireland after winning the URC title with Leinster over the weekend.

The coach said that the door is still open for many with an additional 10 squad members to be called up for the South Africa tour.

“They’re really disappointed. They want to be a part of it,” he said of the key omissions.

“Rieko has gone pretty well in the last couple of weeks. He’s played a bit of centre and wing.

“What we know is with 44 going Africa, we’re going to bring another 10 in, and his versatility would mean that he’s a strong chance to go on there.”