All Blacks’ wing puzzle deepens as Reece and Fainga’anuku return to NPC duty, leaving selectors with tough choices ahead of Springbok clash.
The All Blacks’ build-up to Saturday’s blockbuster Test against South Africa in Wellington has taken an intriguing turn. As excitement mounts, the release of NPC team lists has revealed a telling clue about the national side’s plans: two well-known wingers will not be involved.
Reece and Fainga’anuku Cleared for Provincial Action
Leicester Fainga’anuku and Sevu Reece have both been named in their NPC squads for the weekend, signaling their omission from Ian Foster’s All Blacks selection. Their inclusion in provincial lineups, with no other outside backs on the NPC sheets, underscores the finality of this decision.
Reece, once the preferred starter on the right wing earlier this year, saw his spot slip away after the Argentina tour, when Emoni Narawa claimed the role. Now, the 28-year-old will make his Southland Stags debut, lining up on the right against Counties Manukau.
Fainga’anuku’s situation is different. His last outing in black came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. A two-year spell in France removed him from national contention, but he returned recently as injury cover for Tasman teammate Timoci Tavatavanawai. This weekend, he’s been named on the bench in Tasman’s Ranfurly Shield clash with Canterbury, wearing the No. 23 jersey.
Clarke Returns, Selection Picture Clears
Caleb Clarke’s absence from Auckland’s squad after two straight weeks of NPC duty suggests his reintegration into the All Blacks fold. With Narawa nursing a rib injury, the wing picture narrows to four options: Clarke, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, and Ruben Love. Leroy Carter stays as injury cover, though his role remains secondary.
This year has seen selectors test multiple backline combinations, Ioane on the left, Jordan on the right, McKenzie at fullback being the most familiar. Whether they stick with that trusted alignment or introduce a new balance will be confirmed on Thursday.
Other Key NPC Notes
Lock Sam Darry, who joined the All Blacks training camp only last week, has been cleared to feature for Canterbury. His inclusion in the provincial lineup further highlights who will sit out the Springbok clash.
Conclusion
The NPC announcements have pulled the curtain back on All Blacks selection plans. With Reece and Fainga’anuku left to prove themselves at the provincial level and Narawa sidelined, the selectors face a defining choice in shaping their back three. Fans won’t have to wait long; Thursday will reveal whether the All Blacks opt for proven combinations or shake things up against South Africa.
