Overview
- Dylan Pledger was omitted from both the All Blacks and All Blacks XV squads for the November window despite strong NPC and U20 form.
- Scott Robertson said Pledger’s talent is clear but he needs to add strength at 74kg, and he agreed with All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph to wait for the right timing.
- With Noah Hotham injured, the All Blacks named Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, and Cortez Ratima as their touring halfbacks.
- The All Blacks XV halfbacks are Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, and Xavier Roe, completing six No. 9s across the two squads.
- Robertson indicated selections for the Ireland Test in Chicago are essentially set, with the squad convening in Auckland before departing, and Pledger is building toward a future Super Rugby start with the Highlanders in 2026.