Jeff Wilson backs Blues loose forward as potential All Blacks ‘bolter’

Two ex-internationals have floated their “bolter” pick for the All Blacks in 2026, under new head coach Dave Rennie and his new-look coaching staff.

Rennie will have all eyes on Super Rugby Pacific as they ponder their first All Blacks squad of the year in late June, two weeks before the first Test against France in Christchurch.

Former All Black Jeff Wilson believes there won’t be many, if any, in the first squad of the year, but he explains that Blues loose-forward Anton Segner is putting his hand up for the Greatest Rivalry Tour.

“It’s difficult to find a bolter for the first series of the year, for the first three Test matches, but I think you can find some for the series in South Africa, for that big touring group,” Wilson said on The Breakdown.

“Anton Segner is the big mover for me over the last few weeks, multiple positions. I think he’s getting some real good experience over the last three or four years where he hasn’t had to play every week because he’s been behind some good guys.

“When they’ve needed him to step up, he’s stepped up and they’ve needed him to step over the last couple of weeks with no Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu and he has been really, really good.”

The point of difference for Segner is his qualities in multiple facets of the game, says Wilson.

“You’re seeing all of the skills here, and that’s what I love about it, the fact you’re talking ball carry, you’re talking about line outs, and he 100% loves getting on the ball, he loved getting and getting possession.

“So keep an eye on him over the next month or so, if he continues to do what he’s doing because they’re going to play him at six I would say when everyone’s fit, because obviously Dalton and Hoskins will be there.

“I like what I’m seeing,” Wilson adds.

Former All Black World Cup-winning first-five Stephen Donald believes that Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia is a possible bolter, as he’s knocking on the door of the older and more experienced props.

“Xavier Numia for me, from the Hurricanes couple of years ago. I think had it been not for an injury, he would have already been an All Black so I think this year, as they’ll cast in the net a bit wider he will get his opportunity.

“He’s a good scrummager, he’s getting scrum penalties against seasoned pros up there, but he’s incredible around the park. He’s very physical defensively. We saw how good he is over the ball and his ball carries [against the Chiefs].

“He’s dynamic, he’s got fast feet and I’m a big fan.”