Rugby: Which All Blacks have the biggest points to prove?

New coach. New players. Same relentless scrutiny.

Every All Blacks squad announcement is dissected, with fans questioning selections and omissions alike. With fierce competition across almost every position, these All Blacks now face the challenge of proving they belong.

Here are the players with the most to prove in the Nations Championship.

The former golden boy of New Zealand rugby has been well short of his best in 2026. Barrett’s instinct for the line has dipped significantly, as has his speed, instead relying heavily on his boot during a poor season for the Blues. With Ruben Love tearing the house down for the Hurricanes, Barrett will need to rediscover his mojo should he get his chance to take the reins under Rennie.

One of the biggest eyebrow raisers from Rennie’s squad, the versatile veteran has not been seen in Aotearoa in 2026, playing a sabbatical for the Japan One champions Kobe under the new All Blacks coach. Whether it’s favouritism or form, Lienert-Brown faces a log-jam in the midfield, and will need a quality series if he is to keep Rieko Ioane and Timoci Tavatavanawai out of the squad.

The Chiefs duo bring similar tools to the table, leaving many to wonder why both were included in the loosies at the expense of the likes of Christian Lio-Willie and Hurricanes co-captain and fan favourite Du’Plessis Kirifi. Being a specialist openside may have worked against Kirifi’s case, with both Parker and Jacobson able to fill multiple positions in the back row. Jacobson fell out of favour under Robertson, playing no tests in 2025. Having hardly set the world on fire during Super, the big bruisers will be out to prove their worth in the loose.

For the first time in his All Blacks career, Ratima enters a campaign with genuine pressure on his shoulders. Cam Roigard has firmly established himself as New Zealand’s premier halfback, while Noah Hotham was a surprise omission from Rennie’s squad in favour of Ratima and Kyle Preston. Ratima’s speed around the ruck remains a threat, but after a poor end-of-year tour, he’ll need to display greater game management if he’s to remain the clear backup.

The biggest talking point of the season, the try-scoring machine’s future in black remains unclear. Having signed for Newcastle in January, Rennie could not resist the Hurricane’s flyer’s form, despite being contracted to leave in December. Fineanganofo lit up Super Rugby with his speed, power and insatiable hunger for tries. But can he transfer it to the international arena?