Blair admits Kirifi omission was tough as impressive rivals block All Blacks recall

Du’Plessis Kirifi has been left out of Dave Rennie’s 34-man All Blacks squad despite co-captaining the Hurricanes to the Super Rugby Pacific title, with uncapped Blues No.7 Anton Segner preferred for the available loose-forward berth. All Blacks assistant coach Mike Blair acknowledged the decision was difficult, conceding Kirifi could not reasonably be faulted for his form.

“He’s a quality player, isn’t he? He’s played well, and he’s led really well for Hurricanes,” Blair said. “But in saying that, there’s some pretty impressive players in front of him.”

Blair added that the door had not been fully closed on Kirifi, noting that an additional ten players would travel to South Africa beyond the initial squad. “The option to bring him in certainly isn’t closed, but there are some great players in front of him — he’s unfortunate,” he said.

Segner is one of four uncapped players named in Monday’s squad and was widely seen as competing directly with Kirifi for a single spot in Rennie’s loose-forward rotation. The German-born flanker’s selection represents a significant call from the coaching staff, prioritising a player yet to earn a Test cap over one with eight appearances for the All Blacks.

Former All Blacks Jeff Wilson and James Parsons were equally sympathetic toward Kirifi, with Parsons arguing the Hurricanes captain had done everything within his power to force his way in. “There’s no way he could have played any better, like statistically and visually,” Parsons said. “It’s the best season he’s had, and as a leader he’s been exceptional as well.”

Parsons suggested the presence of Ardie Savea — who has been named All Blacks captain — effectively locked down the No.7 jersey for 80 minutes, leaving little room for Kirifi to manoeuvre regardless of his output.

Blair also addressed the absence of injured Crusaders back Leicester Fainga’anuku, describing him as a player of “incredible capability” whose versatility across the back three, centres, and openside flanker made him a figure of genuine interest for the coaching staff. “Sadly, due to his injury, it gives us more time to think about how he could potentially be used,” Blair said.