Tavatavanawai and Reece named in ABs squad, and Narawa named as an injury cover

Highlanders utility back Timoci Tavatavanawai and Crusaders winger Sevu Reece have been selected into the first All Blacks squad for 2025 that was named this morning, while Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa has been named as an injury cover.

Coach Scott Robertson has selected 5 new players into the squad and has named Crusaders lock Scott Barrett as captain with Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea as Vice Captains.

The new players in the squad are Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Du’plessis Kirifi, and Tavatavanawai.

Luke Jacobson, Wallace Sititi and Anton Lienert-Brown are currently recovering from injury but have been named, with Narawa and Christian Lio-Willie named to cover.

Notable exclusions from the squad are George Bower, Rivez Reihana and Hoskins Sotutu.

The All Blacks squad:

Brodie McAlister, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ollie Norries, Pasilio Tosi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipolotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Du’plessis Kirifi, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima, Cam Roigard, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Quinn Tupaea, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, and Sevu Reece.

The All Blacks will take on France in the first game of their 3 test match series at 7.05pm next Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.