The New Zealand All Blacks will be without one of their biggest stars for the 2026 Nations Championship Northern Series, with Ardie Savea sidelined by a shoulder injury as New Zealand prepares to face Scotland, Wales, and England in November.
Savea suffered a dislocated shoulder during New Zealand's September tour of South Africa, with the injury requiring surgery. His absence leaves a significant hole in the All Blacks' lineup as the three-time world champions continue preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Head coach Dave Rennie, who took charge of New Zealand in March 2026 after previously leading Australia's Wallabies from 2020 to 2023, has named a 36-player squad for the Northern Series. Rennie also guided the Chiefs to consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2012 and 2013 and is tasked with building New Zealand into a World Cup contender.
- Sign Up To Watch Rugby All Year Long On FloRugby
- Previous FloRugby Club Power Rankings
- 2026-27 United Rugby Championship Schedule
Despite Savea's absence, the squad features Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett and several emerging players looking to establish themselves internationally.
The All Blacks open against Scotland on Nov. 7 before facing Wales on Nov. 14 and England on Nov. 21, with the Nations Championship Finals Weekend scheduled for Nov. 27-29 in London.
With less than a year remaining until the World Cup in Australia, the Northern Series presents another important test of Rennie's squad depth and his plans for 2027.
All Blacks Rugby Roster For 2026 Nations Championship
The 36-man squad features 20 forwards and 16 backs, with veteran hooker Codie Taylor serving as captain.
Forwards (20)
Hookers
Codie Taylor (Captain) — Crusaders
Asafo Aumua — Hurricanes
George Bell — Crusaders
Props
Ethan de Groot — Highlanders
George Bower — Crusaders
Xavier Numia — Hurricanes
Fletcher Newell — Crusaders
Pasilio Tosi — Hurricanes
Saula Ma'u — Highlanders
Locks
Scott Barrett — Crusaders
Josh Lord — Chiefs
Fabian Holland — Highlanders
Jamie Hannah — Crusaders
Tupou Vaa'i — Chiefs
Loose Forwards
Anton Segner — Blues
Leicester Fainga'anuku — Crusaders
Ethan Blackadder — Crusaders
Christian Lio-Willie — Crusaders
Peter Lakai — Hurricanes
Wallace Sititi — Chiefs
Backs (16)
Halfbacks
Cam Roigard — Hurricanes
Kyle Preston — Crusaders
Cortez Ratima — Chiefs
Fly-Halves
Richie Mo'unga — Crusaders
Damian McKenzie — Chiefs
Josh Jacomb — Chiefs
Midfielders
Jordie Barrett — Hurricanes
Quinn Tupaea — Chiefs
Timoci Tavatavanawai — Highlanders
Anton Lienert-Brown — Chiefs
Outside Backs
Rieko Ioane — Blues
Chay Fihaki — Crusaders
Fehi Fineanganofo — Hurricanes
Josh Moorby — Hurricanes
Will Jordan — Crusaders
Beauden Barrett — Blues
What Does The All Blacks Squad Mean For The 2027 Rugby World Cup?
The 2026 Nations Championship offers New Zealand a valuable opportunity to test different combinations before next year's Rugby World Cup.
One of the most interesting questions surrounds the fly-half position.
Richie Mo'unga returns to the international picture with 57 Test appearances, joining Damian McKenzie and uncapped Josh Jacomb among the squad's specialist first five-eighths.
Meanwhile, Beauden Barrett provides another experienced playmaking option, having accumulated 147 Test appearances.
For Rennie, the challenge extends beyond selecting the most talented individuals. Establishing combinations that can perform consistently against elite opposition will be essential heading into 2027.
The upcoming matches against Scotland, Wales and England should provide a useful indication of which players are moving closer to becoming fixtures in New Zealand's World Cup plans.
Which Players Are Missing From The All Blacks Squad?
Despite the experience available to Rennie, several notable players will miss the Northern Series because of injuries.
Ardie Savea is among the biggest absences, with the influential loose forward unavailable because of a shoulder injury.
Caleb Clarke and Tyrel Lomax are also sidelined.
The full injury list includes:
Ardie Savea — Shoulder
Caleb Clarke — Shoulder
Tyrel Lomax — Neck
Samisoni Taukei'aho — Calf
Shannon Frizell — Knee
Leroy Carter — Ankle
Ruben Love — Ankle
Luke Jacobson — Elbow
Ollie Norris — Knee
Simon Parker is unavailable for personal reasons.
These absences create opportunities for other players to establish themselves in the national setup.
Uncapped prop Saula Ma'u and fly-half Josh Jacomb are among those hoping to take the next step in their international careers.
All Blacks Predicted Starting Lineup For 2026 Nations Championship
With several key players unavailable through injury, head coach Dave Rennie faces some important selection decisions ahead of New Zealand's Northern Series opener against Scotland on Nov. 7.
Based on recent selections, player availability and performances during the Bledisloe Cup, here is FloRugby's projected All Blacks starting XV against Scotland.
Predicted Starting XV
Ethan de Groot — Loosehead Prop
Codie Taylor (Captain) — Hooker
Fletcher Newell — Tighthead Prop
Scott Barrett — Lock
Fabian Holland — Lock
Tupou Vaa'i — Blindside Flanker
Peter Lakai — Openside Flanker
Wallace Sititi — No. 8
Cam Roigard — Scrum-Half
Damian McKenzie — Fly-Half
Josh Moorby — Left Wing
Jordie Barrett — Inside Centre
Quinn Tupaea — Outside Centre
Will Jordan — Right Wing
Beauden Barrett — Fullback
Why This Lineup?
The biggest question surrounds New Zealand's back row, where Ardie Savea's shoulder injury leaves a significant absence. Peter Lakai has impressed in recent appearances and could retain the No. 7 jersey alongside Tupou Vaa'i and Wallace Sititi.
In the backs, Damian McKenzie is the likely choice at fly-half after starting both October Tests against Australia. Richie Mo'unga has been included in the touring squad but is unavailable for the Scotland match as he continues recovering from a calf injury.
Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett would provide additional experience in the backfield, while Jordie Barrett's return could restore a familiar midfield combination alongside Quinn Tupaea.
This is FloRugby's projected lineup, not an official team announcement. Rennie could make changes before the opening Test.
All Blacks Rugby Schedule: 2026 Nations Championship Northern Series
New Zealand will face three Northern Hemisphere opponents before the Nations Championship Finals Weekend.
All dates below reflect the local dates of the matches.
Nov. 7: New Zealand vs. Scotland — Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Nov. 14: New Zealand vs. Wales — Principality Stadium, Cardiff
Nov. 21: New Zealand vs. England — Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London
Nov. 27-29: Nations Championship Finals Weekend — London
The results of the Northern Series will contribute to the Nations Championship standings, which determine the matchups for Finals Weekend.
When Do The All Blacks Play Next?
The All Blacks return to action against Scotland on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Scottish Gas Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
New Zealand then travels to Cardiff to face Wales before finishing its Northern Series schedule against England at Twickenham.
The three matches will provide another measuring stick for Rennie's squad as New Zealand continues building toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
What Rugby Competitions Can I Watch On FloRugby?
FloRugby streams the United Rugby Championship, Gallagher PREM, Top 14, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup and more.
Visit the FloRugby watch schedule to explore upcoming events. Availability varies by location and competition rights.
Where Can I Find Rugby News, Schedules And Results?
FloRugby provides rugby news, schedules, results, rankings and analysis throughout the season.
Visit FloRugby.com for the latest coverage from Europe's leading club competitions and beyond.
Where Can I Follow FloRugby?
Follow FloRugby for rugby news, highlights and updates throughout the season.
Follow FloRugby on X.
Follow FloRugby on Instagram.
Follow FloRugby on Facebook.