Josh Jacomb and Rivez Reihana have been identified as New Zealand’s next Test playmakers after the rising duo were included in a 30-man All Blacks XV squad.
While Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie, as well as Japan-based Richie Mo’unga, have long worn the No.10 jersey since Dan Carter sailed off into the sunset, the next generation of playmakers have been starved of opportunities since.
But two of the country’s best talents will move closer to making their Test debuts after Jacomb and Reihana were included as the only two playmakers in Jamie Joseph’s coached side.
Crusaders’ Rivez Reihana (C) has been selected in the All Blacks XV. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The squad has ten All Blacks in it and an average of 25, with Joseph placing a real emphasis on picking players who are on the cusp of Test selection.
Indeed, rather than rushing in teenagers and selecting a dad’s army squad, the youngest players are hooker Jack Taylor, Siale Lauaki prop and winger Caleb Tangitau at 30, while versatile back David Havili is the oldest at 30.
“It’s a squad with a good mix of experience and emerging talent and reflects the depth that’s building in the NPC and Super Rugby Pacific,” Joseph said.
“There were a number of players who have put their hands up during the NPC and that made for some tight calls, but we think we’ve got the balance right.
“A core purpose of this team is to develop and promote players through to the next level and the effectiveness of the pathway was highlighted in the All Blacks Northern Tour squad which included seven members of the 2024 All Blacks XV squad.
“No doubt some of these players will progress on to the All Blacks in future years and if that’s the case we will have done our job. The core focus in the short term will be heading North to represent the black jersey and win three games in Europe.”
Former Japan coach Jamie Joseph will oversee the All Blacks XV. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Despite former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall calling for Dylan Pledger to be named in the national team for the Grand Slam tour, the rising Highlanders halfback missed selection.
Instead, All Blacks Folau Fakatava and Kyle Preston were selected, while Xavier Roe, who was recently called into the wider squad when Scott Robertson suffered an injury crisis in the No.9 jersey, was also selected.
The All Blacks XV squad was selected in collaboration with the All Blacks selectors, led by Robertson, to play two matches in England, against the Barbarians and England A, and a third match against Uruguay.
The 2025 All Blacks XV squad is:
Hookers
Brodie McAlister, Jack Taylor, Bradley Slater
Props
George Dyer, Josh Fusitu, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Xavier Numia
Locks
Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Beehre, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Loose forwards
Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Te Kamaka Howden, Christian Lio-Willie, Dalton Papali’I, Sean Withy
Halfbacks
Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe
First-fives
Josh Jacomb, Rivez Reihana
Midfield
Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Daniel Rona
Outside backs
Chay Fihaki, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau
All Blacks XV 2025 schedule:
Sunday 2 November
All Blacks XV vs Barbarians, Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, kick-off 2.15am NZT (Saturday 1 November 13:15pm local time).
Sunday 9 November
All Blacks XV vs England A, The Recreational Ground, Bath, kick-off 2.15am NZT (Saturday 8 November, 13:15pm local time).
Sunday 16 November
All Blacks XV v Uruguay, venue and kick off time TBC
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