All Blacks: Five Potential Test Debutants for 2025 – Featuring a ‘Ma’a Nonu on Steroids’ and a ‘Breakdown Maestro’
As the All Blacks gear up for their 2025 Test season, Planet Rugby has identified five uncapped players who could earn their first international caps during the upcoming home series against France.
New Zealand will host Les Bleus for a much-anticipated three-match Test series, beginning in Dunedin on July 5. The second match will be held in Wellington on July 12, and the final clash is scheduled for July 19 in Hamilton.
Below is a look at five promising players who appear poised to step onto the international stage under head coach Scott Robertson.
Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders)
Despite the Highlanders finishing last in the Super Rugby Pacific standings this season, Fijian-born Timoci Tavatavanawai was a standout performer. Originally a winger, he was successfully transitioned to inside centre by coach Jamie Joseph—a move that paid dividends.
The 27-year-old has been a formidable presence in attack, ranking among the competition’s leaders across several key offensive metrics. He topped the charts for defenders beaten (78), ranked second in offloads, and was fourth in total carries (176).
Tavatavanawai’s explosive style earned high praise from former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall, who likened him to “Ma’a Nonu on steroids.” If selected, he will aim to bring that same intensity against France.
Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
New Zealand’s wing depth is impressive, and Leroy Carter is one of the uncapped stars who has emerged this season. While Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders) and Kini Naholo (Hurricanes) impressed earlier in the season, injuries ruled them out late in the campaign, clearing the way for Carter’s continued rise.
Carter has been electric, tying for third in tries scored (9), ranking sixth in metres gained (705), and placing tenth for clean breaks (13). His form suggests he is ready for a step up.
With 2021’s World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year, Mark Tele’a, moving to Japan and likely unavailable, a spot has opened up among the outside backs—making Carter a strong contender for a Test call-up.
Fabian Holland (Highlanders)
Another standout in a struggling Highlanders squad, Fabian Holland has made significant strides in 2025. The towering 22-year-old lock—originally from the Netherlands—measures 2.04 meters in height and weighs over 120 kilograms.
Holland relocated to New Zealand at 16 and represented the national U20 side before being brought into the All Blacks environment as injury cover during the 2024 end-of-year tour. Though he didn’t take the field then, he made an impact for the All Blacks XV.
This season, Holland has showcased his lineout prowess, strong ball-carrying, and defensive reliability. His defensive contributions were particularly notable—he finished second in Super Rugby Pacific for tackles completed, with 204 successful efforts.
Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes)
Widely regarded as one of the most dynamic flankers in Super Rugby Pacific, Du’Plessis Kirifi has taken his game to new heights in 2025. The Hurricanes openside flanker, known for his ferocity at the breakdown, has matured into a leader and was named co-captain this season.
Kirifi also captained the All Blacks XV on a successful European tour last year, where they claimed victories over both Munster and Georgia. His development as a leader has been matched by his on-field impact, particularly in defence and at the breakdown.
He led the league in tackles made during the regular season, racking up 220—solidifying his reputation as one of the premier breakdown specialists in the tournament.
AJ Lam (Blues)
Like Tavatavanawai, AJ Lam has made a successful positional switch from wing to inside centre, and the move has significantly boosted his performance for the Blues. The 26-year-old has already represented the All Blacks XV and now looks set to graduate to full international duties.
Lam’s blend of speed and strength made him instrumental during the Blues’ title-winning 2024 season. Though the Auckland franchise struggled somewhat in 2025 and reached the playoffs through a wildcard spot, Lam remained a consistent performer.
He contributed on both sides of the ball and built a strong midfield partnership with All Blacks regular Rieko Ioane. Lam’s improved playmaking abilities and familiarity with Ioane could make him an asset to the national team in this year’s Test campaign.
These five players have distinguished themselves through standout performances in Super Rugby Pacific, and the upcoming series against France presents a prime opportunity for them to break into the All Blacks’ Test side.
