‘He’ll play this year’: Former All Black on why Blues bolter can’t be ignored

Former All Black James Parsons has no doubt in his mind that Blues loose-forward Anton Segner will represent the All Blacks in 2026.

Segner captained the Blues in their 59-34 defeat at the hands of the second-placed Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night, ruining their chance of hosting a Qualifying Final this weekend.

The German-born loose-forward has gone from strength to strength in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, amassing 88 carries and 144 tackles so far for the Blues.

His 15 turnovers are among the league’s best, and with 44 players set to be named for the All Blacks’ Greatest Rivalry Tour to South Africa, Segner has been discussed as a genuine option for Dave Rennie.

The newly appointed All Blacks coach has talked about his desire to pick players based on form, and being effective on both sides of the ball.

This suits Segner, whose work around the park for the Blues has been admirable, while becoming a lineout option for Vern Cotter’s side has helped in the absence of Patrick Tuipulotu.

The 24-year-old is fifth equal on the list of lineouts won in the 2026 season with 54, and has six line breaks to his name.

Parsons, a two-Test former All Black, believes that Segner has made a real push to be in Rennie’s squad, and wouldn’t look out of place if selected.

“Carry and clean is big for Dave Rennie, and 75% of the time that he carries it, he gets past the gain-line, it’s the best of any loose-forward in New Zealand,” Parsons said on The Breakdown.

“It’s pretty straightforward. He will play this year, whether it’s the 34 [July squad] or the 44 is probably the question.”

Former All Black first-five Stephen Donald agrees with Parsons on Segner’s form, but says it’s a difficult group to squeeze your way into.

“He’s been fantastic, his case is incredible, but let’s not forget, we presume Ardie Savea’s probably going to be the seven, so that’s your starter locked up,” Donald said.

“Then you’ve got five other spots to fill as far as your squad goes. So it’s not going to be easy, Batesy [Steven Bates] touched on it, we’ve got so many quality loose-forwards so he certainly deserves it. But sometimes you know it’s not easy to get in there.”

Current Auckland Bunnings NPC head coach Steven Bates admits that although he’d love Segner to feature for his side this year, the German-born loose forward deserves a crack at the All Blacks.

“So breaks me a little bit, but I wish the best for Anton because he ticks every box, he’s a good rugby player, he’s a fantastic human, he’s a great leader and he’s got great standards.

“He ticks every single thing you want, and love to have him on our NPC campaign, but I’d love for him wear a Black jersey as well.”