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.<\/p>\n
Eli Oudenryn celebrates scoring against the Hurricanes. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Xavi Taele \u2013 midfielder <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In his opportunities, he\u2019s been strong with ball in hand, continually makes good defensive reads and last year was the youngest player selected in the M\u0101ori All Blacks squad.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Chiefs<\/p>\n
Isaac Hutchinson \u2013 outside back<\/p>\n
The young fullback has emerged from the wilderness to become a genuine bolter, thanks to a strong back end of the season.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
With uncertainty over Will Jordan\u2019s availability, Hutchinson could be a player used to fill the void, although he will miss the Super Rugby Pacific final through injury.<\/p>\n
Daniel Rona \u2013 midfielder<\/p>\n
Another midfield option who has been knocking on the door for some time is the reliable Daniel Rona.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old has been a quiet achiever over the years, but did receive a call-up to both the M\u0101ori All Blacks and All Blacks XV teams last year.<\/p>\n
Can cover both the midfield and the wing and is very consistent defensively, although has been sidelined with a hand injury.<\/p>\n
Daniel Rona played for the the M\u0101ori All Blacks and All Blacks XV teams last year. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Hurricanes <\/p>\n
Kini Naholo \u2013 winger<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s scored six tries in six games since returning and would give New Zealand another option on the left wing.<\/p>\n
Hurricanes winger Kini Naholo has impressed for the competition leaders. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Brad Shields \u2013 loose forward<\/p>\n
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<\/a> of the team for the tour of South Africa.<\/p>\n Unlike lots of players, Shields knows what it takes to play in South Africa, having played there countless times in Super Rugby.<\/p>\n In 2018, Shields played test rugby for England<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Crusaders<\/p>\n Johnny Lee \u2013 loose forward<\/p>\n Another player who started the year as a wider training squad player, but quickly showed his protentional.<\/p>\n In his eight appearances<\/a>, his workrate on both sides of the ball was noticeable and fans have even labelled him as the new Richie McCaw.<\/p>\n Has the ability to cover all the loose forward positions and even could play lock at a stretch.<\/p>\n Jamie Hannah \u2013 lock<\/p>\n The All Blacks do like giving young locks a chance<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old finished the season in sixth for tackles made (179) and second for lineouts won (64) across the season.<\/p>\n With Scott Barrett and Fabian Holland out, the door is definitely open for the London-born lock.<\/p>\n Highlanders<\/p>\n Adam Lennox \u2013 halfback<\/p>\n There is no denying who the best halfback in New Zealand is<\/a>, but there is always debate about the back-ups and Adam Lennox has quietly emerged as a genuine contender.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He is another halfback who can cover the outside backs, creating the chance to play with a 6-2 bench split.<\/p>\n Lucas Casey \u2013 loose forward<\/p>\n Compared to the others, this isn\u2019t as leftfield, but going from not even in the Highlanders squad to winning Rookie of the Year surely qualifies.<\/p>\n Lucas Casey played 11 times for the Highlanders this season and was consistently among their best performers, highlighting his rapid rise.<\/p>\n The 23-year-old is a powerful ball carrier and can play openside flanker and No 8<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moana Pasifika <\/p>\n Semisi Tupou Ta\u2019eiloa \u2013 No 8<\/p>\n He would be a genuine bolter, considering the All Blacks generally don\u2019t pick players from Moana Pasifika, but the 22-year-old does have a contract with Southland,<\/a> making him eligible.<\/p>\n Semisi Tupou Ta\u2019eiloa was born in Auckland with parents of Tongan and Samoan heritage. Surprisingly, he wasn\u2019t picked in either of their squads, which does raise questions about his eligibility moving forward, along with Moana\u2019s uncertain future in Super Rugby Pacific.<\/p>\n He\u2019s by no means the biggest loose forward, but he is one of the most powerful and destructive.<\/p>\n Three honourable mentions: Torian Barnes (Blues), Siale Lauaki (Hurricanes), Jona Nareki (Highlanders).<\/p>\nJohnny Lee scores a try for the Crusaders against the Highlanders. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Halfback Adam Lennox has shone for the Highlanders. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n