Blues
Eli Oudenryn – hooker
While the Blues faltered at the end of the season, one player who stood up was their hooker Eli Oudenryn.
The 20-year-old only made his debut in the final round of the regular season but made his mark across three appearances, highlighted by his stunning try in their semi-final defeat to the Hurricanes.
Every time he stood on the field, Oudenryn brought energy and looks every bit the future star his Development Player of the Year honours suggest.
Eli Oudenryn celebrates scoring against the Hurricanes. Photo / Photosport
Xavi Taele – midfielder
The midfield is always a big talking point for the All Blacks, so the tour to South Africa could be a good opportunity to give a player like Xavi Taele a chance.
In his opportunities, he’s been strong with ball in hand, continually makes good defensive reads and last year was the youngest player selected in the Māori All Blacks squad.
Taele brings leadership qualities, having captained the New Zealand Under-20s in 2024, is capable of playing at second five-eighths or centre and would give the All Blacks another goalkicking option if required.
Chiefs
Isaac Hutchinson – outside back
The young fullback has emerged from the wilderness to become a genuine bolter, thanks to a strong back end of the season.
Making his debut in April, the 22-year-old brings attacking flair and pace to the back three, has the ability to play on the right wing and fullback and as seen in the past, the All Blacks love players with that capability.
With uncertainty over Will Jordan’s availability, Hutchinson could be a player used to fill the void, although he will miss the Super Rugby Pacific final through injury.
Daniel Rona – midfielder
Another midfield option who has been knocking on the door for some time is the reliable Daniel Rona.
The 26-year-old has been a quiet achiever over the years, but did receive a call-up to both the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV teams last year.
Can cover both the midfield and the wing and is very consistent defensively, although has been sidelined with a hand injury.
Daniel Rona played for the the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV teams last year. Photo / Photosport
Hurricanes
Kini Naholo – winger
While the spotlight has been on his Hurricanes teammate Fineanganofo in 2026, there is no denying Kini Naholo should get a look in, having made an impact since returning from an ACL injury.
Prior to his injury last year, the 27-year-old was one of the best wingers in Super Rugby Pacific and was in the discussion for an All Blacks selection.
He’s scored six tries in six games since returning and would give New Zealand another option on the left wing.
Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo has impressed for the competition leaders. Photo / Photosport
Brad Shields – loose forward
Brad Shields would go down as the biggest bolter of all time, but there is a case for the 35-year-old to be the Tommy Smith of the team for the tour of South Africa.
Unlike lots of players, Shields knows what it takes to play in South Africa, having played there countless times in Super Rugby.
In 2018, Shields played test rugby for England and was part of a three-test series in South Africa and with all these details, he would make the ideal player for the midweek matches.
Crusaders
Johnny Lee – loose forward
Another player who started the year as a wider training squad player, but quickly showed his protentional.
In his eight appearances, his workrate on both sides of the ball was noticeable and fans have even labelled him as the new Richie McCaw.
Has the ability to cover all the loose forward positions and even could play lock at a stretch.
Johnny Lee scores a try for the Crusaders against the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
Jamie Hannah – lock
The All Blacks do like giving young locks a chance and Jamie Hannah has been one who has stood out for the Crusaders all season so will likely be the next cab off the rank.
The 23-year-old finished the season in sixth for tackles made (179) and second for lineouts won (64) across the season.
With Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland out, the door is definitely open for the London-born lock.
Highlanders
Adam Lennox – halfback
There is no denying who the best halfback in New Zealand is, but there is always debate about the back-ups and Adam Lennox has quietly emerged as a genuine contender.
The 23-year-old joined the Highlanders this season as an outsider but ended the campaign as a regular starter with some great performances, including several 80-minute stints.
He is another halfback who can cover the outside backs, creating the chance to play with a 6-2 bench split.
Halfback Adam Lennox has shone for the Highlanders. Photo / Photosport
Lucas Casey – loose forward
Compared to the others, this isn’t as leftfield, but going from not even in the Highlanders squad to winning Rookie of the Year surely qualifies.
Lucas Casey played 11 times for the Highlanders this season and was consistently among their best performers, highlighting his rapid rise.
The 23-year-old is a powerful ball carrier and can play openside flanker and No 8.
Moana Pasifika
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa – No 8
He would be a genuine bolter, considering the All Blacks generally don’t pick players from Moana Pasifika, but the 22-year-old does have a contract with Southland, making him eligible.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa was born in Auckland with parents of Tongan and Samoan heritage. Surprisingly, he wasn’t picked in either of their squads, which does raise questions about his eligibility moving forward, along with Moana’s uncertain future in Super Rugby Pacific.
He’s by no means the biggest loose forward, but he is one of the most powerful and destructive.
Three honourable mentions: Torian Barnes (Blues), Siale Lauaki (Hurricanes), Jona Nareki (Highlanders).
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.