Tavatavanawai and Kirifi, rewarded with a place in the 2025 All Blacks
Timoci Tavatavanawai and Du’Plessis Kirifi have been recognized for their outstanding performance in the Super Rugby Pacific, being selected by Scott Robertson to be part of the All Blacks of 2025. Robertson on Monday announced a group of 33 players who will prepare for the three-test series against France, which will begin in Dunedin next Saturday. Tavatavanawai, 27 years old and born in Fiji, had an outstanding season with the Highlanders, proving to be a constant threat on both sides of the field and solidifying his candidacy for selection. Kirifi also stood out, with the Hurricanes’ third-row player being the heart of his team’s resurgence mid-year. The flanker was brilliant in securing crucial victories over the Reds and Chiefs in the race to the playoffs, before being defeated in Canberra in the first week of the finals. In addition, Tavatavanawai joins the team alongside his Highlanders teammate, Fabian Holland, who has yet to debut, while the Chiefs’ front-row duo, Ollie Norris and Brodie McAlister, complete the quintet of international rookies. Jordie Barrett also returns to New Zealand rugby after his sabbatical at Leinster, which concluded with victory in the United Rugby Championship final earlier this month. His brother, Scott, will captain the All Blacks again, while Beauden Barrett will compete with Damian McKenzie for the fly-half position.![Plessis Kirif [L], Fabian Holland [C] y Timoci Tavatavanawai podrían debutar con los All Blacks contra Francia en julio](https://a3.espncdn.com/combiner/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F0623%2Fr1510083_1296x729_16%2D9.jpg "All Blacks: Tavatavanawai and Kirifi, rewarded with call-up to Robertson's team 2")
“For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – this is a particularly special day. All these players have impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned the opportunity to be part of this All Blacks team. We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them in the coming weeks.” Having turned down the opportunity to play for Fiji in the past, Tavatavanawai’s decision now seems justified as he joins the All Blacks camp for the first time.“Scott’s leadership is highly valued in this group, and it is well complemented by Ardie [Savea] and Jordie. They will play a vital role, along with the player leadership group, in supporting the transition of new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the team is prepared for success.”
Scott Robertson
