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Five bold possible debutants for the All Blacks in 2026
By Henry Lee
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has used 52 players in his tenure to date, giving nine rookies their first caps in 2025.
But that number could increase next year, with a lengthy tour of South Africa on the cards, before the Nations Championship campaign concludes later in 2026.
The All Blacks have 15 games altogether next year, which includes the four games against South African club teams on the “Greatest Rivalry” tour.
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For that tour, Robertson will likely get the nod from NZR to expand his squad to 40 or above, giving more players opportunities to represent the All Blacks.
Players like Caleb Tangitau and Tevita Mafileo don’t make the list, as they are likely to feature during 2026, while a player like Naitoa Ah Kuoi has already been in and around the squad during the year.
Here are five bold possible debutants for the All Blacks in 2026:
Tyrone Thompson – Chiefs
The former Newcastle Knights NRL player attempted a code-change last year, one that wasn’t quite as successful as he would’ve liked, but he’s likely to come back to Super Rugby Pacific with more motivation than ever. Although he’s behind Brodie McAlister and Samisoni Taukei’aho at the Chiefs, he offers more than McAlister in general play, and was ahead of him in the All Black pecking order before a move to the NRL. He told the New Zealand Herald last week that he still dreams of playing for the All Blacks, after playing three games for the Maori All Blacks between 2022 and 2024. An All Black appearance will have to come at the expense of a couple of injuries to other hookers, but a big Super Rugby Pacific season at the Chiefs in 2026 under new head coach Jono Gibbes, will do the 25-year-old a world of good.
Siale Lauaki – Hurricanes
Lauaki has burst onto the scene after a couple of solid campaigns for Wellington in the NPC, and some appearances for the New Zealand U20’s and All Blacks XV. The prop has showcased his versatility, by being able to play on both sides of the scrum, adding to his strong ball-carrying game. Lauaki still has work to do on his skillset, ironing out some discipline issues and around-the-field skills, but the talent is there, which will excite the All Black coaching staff. With Ofa Tu’ungafasi only getting older, and the likes of Ollie Norris and Tyrel Lomax struggling with injury issues, this young powerhouse prop could be waiting in the wings sooner rather than later.
Cory Kellow – Crusaders
Kellow is only 24, but feels like he’s been close to being a breakthrough player for the Crusaders for a couple of years now, but has yet to really find a starting opportunity on a consistent basis. If he can lock down a starting role under Rob Penney in 2025, the loose-forward can show the All Black coaches what he’s really made of. He’s powerful with the ball in hand, strong in defence, and has a work rate like Ethan Blackadder. He’s always been behind some quality loose-forwards, but his busyness around the park is something that can differentiate the Crusaders player from others. His power could see him pin down a spot in the Crusaders, where he can then push on and put pressure on others in a black jersey. Could be one to watch in the next couple of years.
Kini Naholo – Hurricanes
Naholo was one of the league’s best in 2025 before a serious knee injury ruled him out of the playoffs and any higher honours wearing black. His blockbusting power with ball in hand and finishing prowess have seen him often at the top of the effort stats for the Hurricanes, while the Hurricanes’ attacking playing style has enabled him to continue his rise to the top of his game. If he can stay fit, and that’s a big if, the All Black coaches could be forced into at least having a look at him during the earlier Test matches in 2025 at home. The return of Jordie Barrett into the Hurricanes backline will also help, while Ruben Love’s experience from the 2025 All Blacks campaign may also prove to be a positive for Naholo’s form in the yellow jersey.
Dylan Pledger – Highlanders
Pledger is probably the least bold of these picks, with fans and pundits already calling for the U20 vice-captain to play in 2025, before he’s logged a single minute of action in Super Rugby Pacific for the Highlanders. Jamie Joseph’s decision to keep Pledger at home for an extended break over summer, and a full pre-season down in Dunedin, was to give the young halfback every chance of preparing for a big 2026 Super Rugby season. With Noah Hotham’s injury problems, and the other options for Robertson not exactly taking their chances, there’s a huge opportunity in 2026. An impressive season for the Highlanders, continuing on from where he left off for Otago in this year’s NPC, could see him debut for Robertson’s side. It’s less a matter of if, and more a matter of when for the rising star.
Honourable mentions: Josh Jacomb (Chiefs), Jamie Hannah (Crusaders)
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