Dutch giant, Wallabies-eligible prop among All Blacks bolters
A Wallabies-eligible prop and a giant lock from the Netherlands are among five new faces in the All Blacks squad named to play France.
Chiefs loosehead Ollie Norris was born in Sydney and therefore eligible to play for Australia but is now being kitted out in black after being picked in Scott Robertson's squad of 33 on Monday.
The 25-year-old played No.8 throughout his entire high school career in New Zealand before bulking up and switching to the front row.
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Ollie Norris of the Chiefs is tackled.
"Ollie is an ex-loose forward so we know he's going to be quick and he's going to be fast," All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan said.
"It was just, if he's going to stick and be a prop, then he's got to have the right body for it so he can be strong in the right places in his core role. And I believe he's done that."
While Norris is committed to the All Blacks, his Chiefs teammate, Aidan Ross, could play for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions.
Debutant Aidan Ross of New Zealand.
Gosford-born Ross has signed with the Queensland Reds and becomes eligible to play for Australia after their clash with Fiji in Newcastle on July 6.
Ross played one Test for the All Blacks against Ireland in 2022.
Meanwhile, towering Highlanders lock Fabian Holland continued his remarkable story with selection for the Test series which kicks off on July 5 in Dunedin.
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https://omny.fm/shows/rugby-world-cup-inside-line/captaincy-contenders-fly-half-flyers-2026-sabbaticals/embed?in_playlist=podcast&style=CoverThe appropriately named Holland was born in the Netherlands and moved to New Zealand as a 16-year-old to chase his unlikely dream.
"I will always strive for that dream, and work hard towards that dream.
Du'Plessis Kirifi, Fabian Holland and Timoci Tavatavanawai.
"I'm just trying to enjoy everything that comes with that journey. But it's definitely a dream of mine and that would be... I just don't know what I'd do if I got the opportunity to do that somewhere down the stretch."
The 22-year-old Holland now stands 204cm.
"He picked himself. Look at his performances. He's extremely diligent, he's tough, he's tall, he's big - he's got everything for an international lock," Robertson said.
Fabian Holland of Otago breaks away from the defence.
The other uncapped players are Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi, Highlanders utility back Timoci Tavatavanawai and Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister.
"It's the ultimate story of someone who wants to be an All Black," Ryan said of the 28-year-old Kirifi - who is named after former Springboks captain Morne du Plessis.
"He has hung in there. It hasn't been easy for him. He got his first taste of the All Blacks in 2020 (in a wider squad environment) but I think with the leadership roles he's had with Wellington and the Hurricanes, we've seen the best of him and he's ready now."
Du'Plessis Kirifi of the Hurricanes breaks away from the defence.
Injured quintet Asafo Aumua (hamstring), Ofa Tu'ungafasi (neck), Sam Darry (shoulder), Peter Lakai (knee) and Stephen Perofeta (leg) were unavailable for selection.
Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Willie and Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa are with the squad as injury cover for Luke Jacobson and Anton Lienert-Brown.
ALL BLACKS SQUAD
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie McAlister
Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks: Scott Barrett (c), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland
Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham
Five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love
