The All Blacks are gearing up for a massive test on their 2025 end-of-year tour, dubbed the 'Grand Slam' challenge – a prestigious feat where they take on all four traditional home nations: Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. Imagine the thrill and pressure of facing these rugby giants back-to-back; it's a make-or-break opportunity that could define their season. After slipping on the Rugby Championship title for the second straight year, the stakes couldn't be higher, but with several star players sidelined, success feels more elusive than ever. And here's where it gets controversial – are the All Blacks ready to adapt, or will these absences expose deeper cracks in their squad? Let's dive into the four critical areas where head coach Scott Robertson and his team must uncover solutions to shine on this northern hemisphere adventure.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick note for rugby newcomers: The 'Grand Slam' isn't just a fancy name; it's a legendary accolade in rugby, reserved for teams that sweep victories against all four home nations – England, Ireland, Wales, and Scotland – in a single tour. It's like hitting a full house in poker, and for the All Blacks, who boast a storied history, it's a chance to reaffirm their dominance. Yet, with Wales ranked 12th and Scotland at 9th, they might seem manageable, but Ireland and England, sitting in the top five globally, are poised to push the Kiwis to their limits. This tour isn't just about wins; it's about resilience amid adversity.
And speaking of highlights from the rugby world, let's not forget the electrifying performance of 18-year-old Black Ferns sensation Braxton Sorensen-McGee at the Rugby World Cup 2025. As the tournament's top try-scorer, she dazzled with 11 tries in total, showcasing speed, skill, and sheer brilliance. Here are three of her standout efforts – and if you're hooked, you can watch all 11 now on RugbyPass TV for that extra dose of inspiration. Her story is a reminder of the raw talent emerging in New Zealand rugby, proving that youth can light up even the biggest stages.
Now, turning back to the All Blacks, one pressing issue is the ongoing struggle with their third-choice hooker. To clarify for beginners, the hooker is a pivotal position in the front row of the scrum and plays a key role in lineouts and mauls, often throwing the ball in to start attacks. George Bell has been called back into the squad to fill the gap left by Brodie McAlister, who struggled in the second Test against South Africa and lost his spot. Bell, a 2024 debutant with just four caps, has been grinding it out for Canterbury and wrapped up the Super Rugby Pacific season with the Crusaders. The absence of Asafo Aumua, who last donned the black jersey against Italy in 2024's final match and has been sidelined by injuries this year, has left a noticeable hole in their depth. Meanwhile, Codie Taylor has been rock-solid, and Fabian Holland has become a lineout wizard, turning potential turnovers into scoring opportunities. Samisoni Taukei’aho has also stepped up admirably, helping power the All Blacks to victory in their first Test against Argentina through strong mauls and lineouts. But the real trouble arises when one of the top two hookers is out – the lineout collapses, costing them dearly. Enter George Bell: a robust carrier who can churn out solid meters after contact. At 23, he needs to prove his mettle under pressure, especially with those high-stakes throws. Unlikely to feature against Ireland or England, his debut spotlight might shine against Scotland or Wales. But here's where it gets intriguing – is Bell the long-term answer, or are the All Blacks overlooking other untried talents? This selection could spark debate among fans who argue for more experimentation.
Moving on, the lock position is another headache, as the loss of Tupou Vaa’i and Patrick Tuipulotu is a massive blow. For those new to the game, locks are the engine room in the second row, providing height for lineouts and brute force in scrums and rucks. The All Blacks are undeniably stronger with these two – Vaa’i was a 2024 standout, often hailed as the world's best lock, while Tuipulotu brought veteran savvy and power from the bench, often paired with Aumua for game-closing impact. Without them, the team risks falling short in tight contests. Josh Lord and Sam Darry are now stepping in. Lord, with All Blacks experience dating back to 2021, hasn't quite matched Vaa’i’s rise, despite being dubbed the squad's biggest lock by legend Brodie Retallick in 2023. His size is impressive, but has he harnessed that physicality into real grunt on the pitch? Darry saw limited action in the 2024 Rugby Championship, starting against Argentina before shifting to the bench, with just 11 minutes in the Ellis Park loss and none in Cape Town. The coaching staff is eager to see them elevate beyond developmental roles into genuine Test contenders. If they falter, the All Blacks' bench could become their Achilles' heel once more – a pattern that's plagued them, as evidenced by half-time leads turning into losses in five of Robertson's six defeats (with one tied). And this is the part most people miss – perhaps the real controversy lies in whether pushing these younger locks too soon risks squad cohesion, or if the All Blacks need to embrace bold youth revolutions. What do you think – should they gamble on experience or trust the next generation?
Stability at halfback is another must-fix, and the spotlight is on Cam Roigard to deliver it. Halfbacks, or scrum-halves, are the quarterbacks of rugby, orchestrating plays and distributing the ball – think of them as the maestros directing the symphony. While the All Blacks enjoyed unwavering reliability in the 2010s with Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara rarely missing a beat, the opposite has been true since 2023, with injuries sidelining options left and right, Roigard included. The Hurricanes' No. 9 is the clear favorite, and fingers crossed he stays fit throughout the tour. With only 13 caps under his belt, the goal is to rack up more before the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He impressed against Australia at Eden Park with a brace of tries, and on last year's tour, he reclaimed his spot by outshining Antoine Dupont in Paris after bench appearances in the first two matches. When on form, Roigard can surpass Dupont's flair, and that's the consistent brilliance fans crave. But here's where it gets controversial – in a sport obsessed with flair, is stability over flash the right call, or should the All Blacks prioritize dynamic playmakers? This debate could divide opinions, especially with the non-selection of young gun Dylan Pledger from the New Zealand U20s, leaving some wondering if untapped potential is being ignored.
Finally, the backline – that expansive array of wings, centers, and backs – still holds mysteries that need unraveling. Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are predictable stars at fly-half (No. 10), the playmaker kicking goals and directing attacks, while Will Jordan anchors at fullback (No. 15), often the last line of defense. But Ruben Love remains an enigma. Is he a viable backup at fly-half or fullback? He needs extended time in the role, not just cameo wing appearances from the bench. With Scotland and Wales as potential testing grounds – avoiding the heavyweight Ireland and England matches – this tour could be his proving ground. The coaches must unleash him; with Barrett's advancing years, managing his minutes wisely is crucial. Then there's Leicester Fainga’anuku's return, sparking buzz about his midfield prowess. He could embody the powerful inside center the All Blacks have lacked since Ma’a Nonu, as seen in his Perth comeback where he led in beating defenders. With Quinn Tupaea adding depth at 13, it's time to slot Fainga’anuku in for a midfield start, ideally at 12. And this is the part most people miss – in an era of player empowerment, are the All Blacks playing it too safe with selections, or could bold experiments like featuring Love and Fainga’anuku ignite a new era? It's a thought-provoking dilemma that might have fans questioning: Do proven veterans trump emerging stars, or is innovation the path to sustained success?
As the All Blacks embark on this Grand Slam quest, these four areas – from hooker depth to backline innovation – will determine if they triumph against adversity. What controversies have you noticed in their selections? Do you believe they should trust the youth more, or stick with experience? Share your takes in the comments – let's debate!
