All Blacks Prepare for Grand Slam Tour with Key Matches Ahead

The All Blacks are gearing up to embark on their Grand Slam tour, commencing with a highly anticipated match against Ireland on November 2, 2023, at Soldier Field in Chicago. This tour marks an important opportunity for New Zealand’s rugby team to showcase their skills on an international stage.

Ahead of their departure, players including vice captain Ardie Savea, halfback Cam Roigard, hooker George Bell, and midfielder Quinn Tupaea addressed the media. Bell returns to the All Blacks fold for this tour, alongside lock Sam Darry, who has been called up following Patrick Tuipulotu‘s injury. Notably, the squad features one uncapped player, prop Tevita Mafileo.

Challenging Matches Ahead

The All Blacks will face a series of challenging matches during this tour. They enter the series ranked No 2 in the world, just above Ireland, who currently holds the No 3 spot. The historical significance of this matchup is profound; Ireland secured their first-ever victory over New Zealand at Soldier Field in 2016, making the upcoming clash even more intriguing.

Following the match against Ireland, the All Blacks will take on Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on November 9, England at Allianz Stadium in London on November 16, and Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on November 23. The All Blacks last achieved the Grand Slam in 2010, with previous victories in 2008, 2005, and 1978.

All Blacks Squad for the Tour

The All Blacks have assembled a strong squad for their northern tour, which includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. The squad features the following players:

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell
Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, George Bower, Tevita Mafileo
Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Sam Darry, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord
Loose Forwards: Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson
Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie
First Five-Eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku
Outside Backs: Rieko Ioane, Leroy Carter, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Several players are unavailable for selection due to injuries, including Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa, Ollie Norris, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta, and Patrick Tuipulotu.

As the All Blacks prepare for this significant tour, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the team performs against formidable opponents. The results of these matches could have lasting implications for their standing in international rugby.