Overview
- Coach Dave Rennie announced the 36-player squad on Monday, October 26, with hooker Codie Taylor appointed captain because Ardie Savea is sidelined by a shoulder injury.
- Leicester Fainga’anuku has been selected as a loose forward after shifting from the backline to provide a hybrid option able to cover back and loose‑forward roles.
- The squad includes two uncapped players, prop Saula Ma’u and flyhalf Josh Jacomb, alongside eight returned internationals such as Jordie Barrett and Richie Mo’unga who recovered from recent knocks.
- At least nine established players remain unavailable through injury or personal reasons, with absences including Samisoni Taukei’aho, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax and Ruben Love, which shaped selections and bench flexibility.
- New Zealand will play Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends and the tour will test squad depth, player workload management and selections for the run-up to the Nations Championship finals.