Robertson resists the urge for change, but is it the right move?

2:05 pm on 13 October 2025

Jamie Wall, Sports Journalist

Scott Robertson and Rieko Ioane. Photo: Daniel Carson/Photosport NZ

Analysis - In terms of keeping it steady, this is about as subtle a deviation you can get when it comes to naming an All Black squad. Scott Robertson has made a grand total of one form-based change to his group that played the Rugby Championship, and it's to the third hooker, a player who will spends most of these tours holding tackle bags and refilling water bottles.

So that's what George Bell can look forward to, although his call up is richly deserved after an outstanding NPC campaign with Canterbury. Brodie McAlister misses out, although he can't really complain about not getting his chances, then the other changes were all foreseeable due to the now substantial All Black casualty ward.

George Bell of Canterbury against the Southland Stags in the Ranfurly Shield Photo: Robyn Edie / www.photosport.nz

One of those call ups is somewhat ironic, as Josh Lord and the word injury have been in the same sentence more often than he's actually played since his debut in 2021. Lord comes in for Tupou Vaa'i, whose skillset is impossible to replace, which means that there will be a bit of intrigue over the loose forwards.

Does it mean Simon Parker likely has a clear run at blindside through to the end of the year? The only given is that Ardie Savea starts, it's now become an interesting proposition as to who joins him, as Peter Lakai kept Wallace Sititi on the bench in the last Bledisloe Cup test. Both of them could make up a trio with Savea, as Sititi has already proven himself at blindside and Savea and Lakai are interchangeable at openside and number eight.

All Black Wallace Sititi is tackled by Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland during All Blacks v Ireland. Photo: Chloe Knott/ActionPress

Then there's Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau and Du'Plessis Kirifi in reserve, so while an injury to Savea would be enough to cause serious concern, there is enough cover for any other calamity.

And that's about where the intrigue ends when it comes to this one. It will mean that predicting the team for the test against Ireland in Chicago will be relatively straightforward, especially since Robertson's tendencies point to an unchanged backline other than presumably a return for Beauden Barrett if he's fit.

There are a few players that may well be on their last chance, though. Then again, Sevu Reece will probably struggle to get a chance back on the wing, while Rieko Ioane and Finlay Christie will be needing some injuries to others to push their cases.

Apart from being somewhat dull, it feels like this is what Robertson has been aiming for all season. In fairness, he has already used 43 players this season and if he started making dramatic changes now, it might be more of an alarm bell situation than anything particularly positive. Bell has already been capped and in the All Black environment, which would've played a big hand in his recall, so anyone else shining brightly in the NPC will likely be rewarded with a trip away in the All Blacks XV.

Because really, the All Blacks XV feels like it's going to be the more interesting selection when it comes out tomorrow. There's far less restriction on picking the likes of Dylan Pledger or Lucas Casey as project players for the future, because that's what that team is for anyway.

Just how much crossover between the teams happens will be interesting, though. Robertson will be aiming for nothing less than four wins, so really the test against woeful Wales stands as the only one where he can confidently roll his squad. Until then, some players may well be sent to the All Blacks XV for gametime.

All Black squad for the end of year tour

Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (Captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson

Backs: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett (Vice-Captain), Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Unavailable due to injury: Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa'i, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa, Ollie Norris, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta