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The radical bench weapon hidden inside Dave Rennie’s latest All Blacks squad

Stuff unpacks ABs tour squad as Fainga'anuku and Lio-Willie return

Fainga’anuku could redefine the All Blacks' bench

Traditional positional labels are becoming misleading

Loose forward selections reveal what Rennie values

Fainga'anuku’s hybrid role: ‘Don’t see myself as midfielder or loosey’

The All Blacks need answers beyond Roigard

Wales must be the opportunity to test the next generation

New Zealand's Leicester Fainga'anuku reacts after his team's first try during the rugby international between the All Blacks and Ireland in Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)
New Zealand's Leicester Fainga'anuku reacts after his team's first try during the rugby international between the All Blacks and Ireland in Chicago, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley). Photo: Erin Hooley / AP

Wales offers greater scope to experiment.

Chay Fihaki’s aerial ability and defensive positioning could be valuable, while Fehi Fineanganofo deserves an opportunity to demonstrate his attacking potential after an injury-disrupted test season.

There are similar opportunities elsewhere.

Hooker George Bell and lock Jamie Hannah would benefit from meaningful international game time, while giant prop Saula Ma’u could demonstrate more of his promising scrummaging ability.

Those selections needn’t compromise the result against Wales, who have lost 27 of 31 tests since their 2023 World Cup quarter-final exit.

It would give Rennie a clearer understanding of the players he can trust when his established combinations aren’t available.

The next three tests are an opportunity to make the inaugural Nations Championship final, but, more importantly, offer a chance to discover more players who might win a World Cup.

Stuff looks to publish a diverse range of opinions. Sometimes we'll publish opinions you disagree with. That's healthy.

Social media might create echo chambers. Good journalism should not.

Our policy is that our own journalists rarely write opinion pieces. Most of our commentary is from freelance writers or specialists. You can read more about Stuff's policy on managing opinion here. 

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