Ex-All Blacks stunned as Kirifi's Super Rugby-winning form earns no Rennie recall

Du’Plessis Kirifi has been left out of Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad despite co-captaining the Hurricanes to a dominant 60-5 Super Rugby Pacific final win over the Chiefs, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from former internationals James Parsons and Jeff Wilson.

Parsons, speaking on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown, said Kirifi had done everything possible to force his way into contention. “There’s no way he could have played any better, like statistically and visually,” he said. “It’s the best season he’s had, and I think as a leader he’s been exceptional as well.”

Parsons suggested the selection of Ardie Savea as captain effectively signals that Savea will play the full 80 minutes at openside, leaving no room for a specialist seven on the bench. “The versatility is all in that six and eight with a Segner who can cover seven,” he added, referencing newcomer Anton Segner, whom Rennie has explicitly identified as a seven — a factor that appears to have worked against Kirifi in the final selection call.

The loose forwards chosen include Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai and Segner, all of whom offer the cross-positional flexibility Rennie values across the back row. Wilson acknowledged the logic but made clear his admiration for the omitted flanker. “Everyone knows I’m a fan of the way Du’Plessis Kirifi leads and plays,” he said. “I have no doubt he’ll be a part of that trip to South Africa, and it’s nice to know that he is around and there.”

Rennie confirmed he spoke directly with Kirifi to explain the decision, and also reached out to Rieko Ioane, who remains in Ireland after Leinster’s URC title win. The All Blacks head coach stressed the door remains open, with an additional 10 players set to be added to the touring squad for the South Africa leg.

“They’re really disappointed. They want to be a part of it,” Rennie said of the high-profile omissions. On Ioane specifically, he noted: “What we know is with 44 going to Africa, we’re going to bring another 10 in, and his versatility would mean that he’s a strong chance to go on there.”

For Kirifi, the snub arrives at the worst possible moment — fresh off a Super Rugby Pacific title and the finest individual campaign of his career. Whether Rennie revisits that call when the touring squad is expanded remains to be seen.