Jamie Joseph names first All Blacks XV team of 2025 for Barbarians duel

Jamie Joseph’s first All Blacks XV team is, as expected, littered with New Zealand’s rising stars, but it also includes a couple of experienced Test campaigners to steady the ship.

37-Test flanker Dalton Papali’i will captain the team, with 30-cap midfielder David Havili bringing more experience in the backline.

The front row sees Xavier Numia, Jack Taylor, and George Dyer get the nod for first honours on the three-match tour, ahead of Josh Fusitua, Bradley Slater, and Siale Lauaki, who will provide impact off the bench.

Josh Beehre and Caleb Delany are set to start in the second row and will be backed up by newcomer Jamie Hannah. A robust loose forward trio of Kaylum Boshier, Papali’i, and Devan Flanders complete the starting forward pack, with Sean Withy providing cover on the bench.

An exciting backline has been picked, with Chiefs pairing Xavier Roe and Josh Jacomb running the attack in the halves and looking to unleash a lethal back three of Etene Nanai-Seturo, Caleb Tangitau, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Daniel Rona joins Havili in the midfield.

One-cap All Black Kyle Preston will serve as Roe’s replacement, with Rivez Reihana and Braydon Ennor also at Joseph’s disposal on the bench.

“We’re expecting three tough matches on this tour, and the experience and leadership of Dalton and our other senior players will be valuable for what will be three exciting challenges.  We’ve selected a squad full of talented players who have a great opportunity to showcase their talents in a black jersey and on an international stage.”

All Blacks XV team to play Barbarians

1. Xavier Numia
2. Jack Taylor
3. George Dyer
4. Josh Beehre
5. Caleb Delany
6. Kaylum Boshier
7. Dalton Papali’i
8. Devan Flanders
9. Xavier Roe
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Etene Nanai-Seturo
12. David Havilli
13. Daniel Rona
14. Caleb Tangitau
15. Jacob Ratumatavuki-Kneepkens

Reserves

16. Bradley Slater
17. Josh Fusitua
18. Siale Lauaki
19. Jamie Hannah
20. Sean Withy
21. Kyle Preston
22. Rivez Reihana
23. Braydon Ennor