All-Blacks XV squad revealed for Thomond Park clash with Munster Rugby

TEN players with All-Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, which will play Munster Rugby at a sold-out Thomond Park at the start of next month as part of a two-match tour.

The 29-strong All-Blacks XV squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups with the process led by respective Head Coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan.

The game, which takes place at Thomond Park on Saturday November 2 with a 5.30pm kick-off, is a 25,600 sell-out.

Since the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008, Munster Rugby have hosted international opposition in the form of the All Blacks, Australia and the Māori All Blacks at the Limerick venue.

More recently Munster Rugby have hosted sold-out clashes against South Africa A and the Crusaders in Cork’s SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in November 2022 and February 2024.

Clayton McMillan is Head Coach of the All Blacks XV, alongside Assistant Coaches Cory Jane, Jamie Mackintosh and David Hill.

McMillan, who was in camp with the All Blacks ahead of their test in Wellington last month, is excited by the squad selected and is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase the skills of the team internationally.

“Congratulations to those selected, this is a special moment for the players and their whanau to represent their country.

“Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It’s great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons.”

The All Blacks XV squad is: (Age / DHL Super Rugby Pacific club / Province)

*denotes All Blacks cap

Forwards (17)

Props
Xavier Numia (25/Hurricanes / Wellington)
George Dyer (24/Chiefs / Waikato)
Saula Ma’u (24/Highlanders / Otago)
Marcel Renata (30/Blues / Auckland)
George Bower (32/Crusaders / Otago)*

Hookers
Brodie McAlister (27/Crusaders/Canterbury)
Kurt Eklund (32/Blues/Bay of Plenty)
Bradley Slater (26/Chiefs/Taranaki)

Locks
Josh Lord (23/Chiefs/Taranaki)*
Fabian Holland (21/Highlanders/Otago)
Isaia Walker-Leawere (27/Hurricanes/Hawke’s Bay)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (25 /Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)

Loose Forwards
Du’Plessis Kirifi (27/Hurricanes/Wellington)
Peter Lakai (21/Hurricanes/Wellington)
Hoskins Sotutu (26/Blues/Counties Manukau)*
Oliver Haig (22/Highlanders/Otago)
Christian Lio-Willie (26/Crusaders/Otago)

Backs (12)

Scrum Halves
Noah Hotham (21/Crusaders/Tasman)*
Finlay Christie (29/Blues/Tasman)*

Out Halves
Harry Plummer (26/Blues/Auckland)*
Josh Jacomb (23/Chiefs/Taranaki)

Centres
Quinn Tupaea (25/Chiefs/Waikato)*
Riley Higgins (22/Hurricanes/Wellington)
AJ Lam (26/Blues/Auckland)
Dallas McLeod (25/Crusaders/Canterbury)*

Outside Backs
Kiniviliame Naholo (25/Hurricanes/Taranaki)
Emoni Narawa (25/Chiefs/Bay of Plenty)*
Chay Fihaki (23/Crusaders/Canterbury)
Shaun Stevenson (27/Chiefs/North Harbour)*