Neil Barnes hints standout All Blacks performers could still miss Italy Test

The All Blacks coaching staff have made it clear that discussions have taken place about a possible selection shakeup, as they head into the second week of the Nations Championship.

Dave Rennie’s All Blacks came out on top over Fabien Galthié’s French side at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, setting up an opportunity to rethink selections against Italy in Wellington.

The travelling Italians will be disappointed with their Nations Championship performance against Japan, and will head to New Zealand’s capital with a chip on their shoulder.

Gonzalo Quesada’s side have never beaten the All Blacks, but are no strangers to upsets, having beaten England for the first time in Six Nations history, while their victory over Scotland in the 2026 competition was another memorable outing.

“It’s actually a really good question, and there’s been a lot of debate in our coach’s circle, to be honest, and selectors as well, showing respect for Italy because they’re actually a very good side now,” Barnes told media in Auckland on Monday.

“Also we’ve got a squad to grow, so yeah, there’s some people that went all right last week that might not be in there, but there were also some really, really good performances that I think are going to be rewarded.

Barnes suggests that there could be opportunities to give players a chance, but they also have to respect the threat Italy pose.

“Yeah, we’ve got a little eye on making sure respect it’s a test match, and it’s got to be one won well,” the All Blacks assistant told media in Auckland.

“But at the same time letting some other players probably have a chance to make their case as well.”

With a huge 18 months coming up for the All Blacks, including a Greatest Rivalry Tour to South Africa and a Rugby World Cup in Australia, there could be a temptation to rest captain Ardie Savea.

The All Blacks captain has come off a long season with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan, after a huge season in 2025 with Moana Pasifika and the national side under former head coach Scott Robertson.

When asked whether Savea was one of the players discussed in the selection meeting, Barnes doesn’t give much away.

“Oh, look at the end of the day, he’s one of many that we discussed, but yeah, it’s considered across every position,” the former Italy assistant said.

“To be honest, he has [had a long 18 months] but so have the Super Rugby boys, to be fair.”