One of the most dramatic team overhauls in modern All Blacks history unfolded on November 20, 2025, when head coach Scott Robertson unveiled a completely rebuilt starting XV for the final Test of the 2025 Northern Hemisphere tour — a showdown with Wales at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on November 22. Thirteen starters were swapped out, including the entire front row and halfback pairing. It wasn’t a injury crisis. It wasn’t a punishment. It was a statement. Rotation isn’t just a strategy here — it’s the culture.
Why So Many Changes?
After a gritty 24-17 loss to England at Twickenham just one week prior, Robertson didn’t panic. He didn’t cling to names. Instead, he leaned into what he called "a good sprinkle of experience and some great youth." The All Blacks were already guaranteed a top-two finish in the 2025 rankings — they’d lost to South Africa earlier in the tour and couldn’t climb higher. So why not give the next wave a stage?
"It’s great to play that whole squad," Robertson said during his press conference in Cardiff. "Everyone have a crack at it. They’ve trained extremely hard and been really focused." The message was clear: this isn’t about winning or losing this match. It’s about building depth for the 2027 World Cup cycle.
The New Look All Blacks
The changes were seismic. In the front row, three uncapped players — Tomati Williams, TokiOo, and Tossi Dupy Karifi — started together for the first time. Karifi, a 21-year-old loosehead from Taranaki, will be the youngest All Blacks prop to debut in a Test against a tier-one side since 2008. The back row? Wallace Atiti at number eight, Simon Parker retained at blindside, and Karifi again — this time at flanker — in a rare dual role. The midfield? Anton Brown and Rico Yuan, neither with more than five Super Rugby starts between them, were handed the keys to the engine room.
At halfback, Cortis Ratima — a 20-year-old from Waikato — starts at scrum-half, displacing veteran Beauden Barrett. Damon McKenzie, known for his flair but inconsistent decision-making, gets the fly-half jersey over Richie Mo’unga. The back three? Ruben Love at fullback, Will Jordan pushed to the wing, and Caleb Clark on the left — a trio that hasn’t started together since the 2023 Rugby Championship.
The bench? A mirror image of the chaos. Parker, Karifi, and Atiti are all listed as forwards, meaning they could cover three positions. Ratima and McKenzie are both on the bench — yes, both — with the plan to rotate them based on game flow. And if McKenzie goes down? Love might shift to fly-half. For three minutes. Just to see if he can.
A Tactical Gamble
Robertson’s plan isn’t just about giving players a chance — it’s about testing systems. The All Blacks have spent months experimenting with hybrid roles, fluid backline movement, and unorthodox substitutions. This match is the final lab test before they lock in their 2026 squad structure.
"We’re not just picking players," said one senior assistant coach, speaking anonymously. "We’re picking combinations. Can this front row hold up against Wales’ maul? Can Ratima and McKenzie link under pressure? Can Brown carry through three phases? We need to know before we finalize our core group for next year’s Spring Tour."
Wales, meanwhile, are preparing for a different kind of challenge. They’ve won two of their last three Tests and are building momentum under new coach Warren Gatland. Their captain, Ellis Jenkins, called the All Blacks’ selection "a sign of confidence," but added, "They’re still the All Blacks. Even with 13 changes, they’ve got a way of making you feel like you’re playing against history."
Historical Context
This is the first time since November 2021 — when New Zealand made 14 changes against Ireland in Dublin — that the All Blacks have altered their starting XV by 13 or more players for a Test against a tier-one opponent. Back then, they lost. This time, they’re not trying to win. They’re trying to learn.
The historical rivalry with Wales runs deep. This will be the 117th meeting since their first encounter on January 1, 1905, at Cardiff Arms Park. New Zealand leads 71-42 with four draws. But Wales have won four of the last seven meetings, including a famous 29-25 victory in 2022 at Eden Park. The psychological edge has shifted. That’s why Robertson’s gamble matters — it’s not just about youth. It’s about resetting expectations.
What’s Next?
The All Blacks’ 2025 tour ends here. But the real work begins in January. The players who shine in Cardiff will be fast-tracked into the 2026 Super Rugby season as starters. Those who struggle? They’ll be sent back to provincial rugby with detailed video breakdowns and one-on-one coaching.
By March, New Zealand Rugby will announce its preliminary World Cup squad for 2027. Robertson’s bold moves in Cardiff may already have decided who’s in — and who’s out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why make so many changes for a match that doesn’t affect rankings?
New Zealand Rugby prioritizes long-term squad depth over short-term results, especially during end-of-year tours. With the 2027 World Cup in mind, Robertson is testing young players in high-pressure environments against tier-one nations. The 24-17 loss to England proved the core group needs fresh blood — and this match is the perfect laboratory.
Who are the biggest unknowns in this lineup?
Uncapped props Tomati Williams and TokiOo face Wales’ world-class scrum, while halfback Cortis Ratima, with just 12 Super Rugby appearances, must direct a backline without experienced playmakers. Tossi Dupy Karifi’s dual role as flanker and front-rower is unprecedented — if he holds up, he’ll be a starter for years. But if he cracks under pressure, it could expose New Zealand’s depth issues.
Could Will Jordan play fullback again if needed?
Yes — and it’s already in the tactical plan. If Damon McKenzie suffers an injury, Ruben Love could shift to fly-half for short bursts, while Will Jordan returns to fullback. Seu Ree would move to the wing. This contingency was rehearsed in training on November 20, and Robertson confirmed it’s not just a backup — it’s a potential game-changer if Wales overload the midfield.
Is this a sign that Scott Robertson is losing control?
No. Quite the opposite. Robertson has full authority over selection and has been given a clear mandate to rebuild. The 13 changes reflect deliberate planning, not desperation. His predecessor, Ian Foster, was criticized for sticking with veterans too long. Robertson is doing the reverse — and it’s working. The players are energized, and the media is buzzing. That’s leadership.
How does this compare to past All Blacks rotations?
The last time New Zealand made 13+ changes for a tier-one Test was against Ireland in 2021 — they lost 25-18. But that team was rebuilding after the 2019 World Cup. This time, the All Blacks are ranked second globally, with a full squad of elite talent. The difference? This isn’t a crisis — it’s a strategy. Robertson is investing in the future while others are just managing the present.
What impact could this have on the 2027 World Cup?
If even two or three of these debutants — like Karifi, Ratima, or Brown — perform well, they’ll be locks for the 2027 squad. Robertson is essentially running a four-year talent pipeline. By 2027, half the team could be players who got their first caps in this Cardiff match. That’s how you sustain dominance. This isn’t a gamble — it’s the blueprint.