Rob Penney on Christian Lio-Willie: 'He deserves another opportunity'

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney believes that Christian Lio-Willie deserves another opportunity in the All Blacks, after making three Test appearances under Scott Robertson.

Robertson gave the Crusaders loose-forward his All Blacks debut in 2025 against France in Dunedin, where the 27-year-old played the full 80 minutes.

Lio-Willie, a qualified dentist, has impressed for the Crusaders during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, pushing his way back into the All Blacks selection frame.

Penney’s Crusaders were knocked out of the 2026 competition last Friday night against the Chiefs in Hamilton, marking the end of the head coach’s era in Christchurch.

Lio-Willie played the full 80 minutes in the semi-final, contributing 14 carries and 13 tackles in Hamilton.

Speaking to Millsy & Guy on Sport Nation, the Crusaders head coach was full of praise for the loose-forward, describing how important he is to the franchise.

“Love Christian, he’s got massive integrity, he’s got massive cohesion amongst the whole group, connects well, smart, articulate, and powerful, Penney said.

“He’s got great footwork, he’s one of our key go forward men, particularly in the tough games, and particularly towards the back end, he was doing that consistently.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

29

24

First try wins

20%

Home team wins

100%

As 2025 progressed, Lio-Willie faded away from being in Robertson’s All Blacks loose-forward plans, as the 27-year-old was left out of both the Rugby Championship squad and end-of-year tour group.

Penney is of the belief that his No.8 could be in the squad for the All Blacks, especially with new head coach Dave Rennie clear that his selections will be judged on form.

“Yeah, he’s someone that deserves another opportunity back in the All Blacks, and let’s really hope that that comes, because I think we’ll see the best out of him,” Penney told Sport Nation.

“He’s a gem of a man and a wonderful player.”

“I’m just going to sit back for a little while and breathe some fresh air, and you know, hopefully treat the family, you know, took a bit of time, they’ve been an amazing support, and my wife, in particular, and my boys are unreal.

“There’s some things that I’d like to do to help them, and we’ll see what happens in the future, but at this stage that’s not on the horizon.”