2024 will see six contenders return for the All Blacks
This year’s All Blacks have plenty of players capable of making history, whether it’s through injury recovery, non-selection, or eligibility restoration following a move back to New Zealand.
The top players who have been capped by the All Blacks but did not play for the national team in 2023 are listed here. The “comeback” prospects will need to perform well during Super Rugby Pacific.
Quinn Tupaea
Following an arduous recovery from a knee injury sustained in Melbourne during the 2022 Bledisloe series, the Chiefs midfielder is primed to make an immediate impact in Super Rugby Pacific.
Due to a ruptured ACL and extensive ligament injury sustained during Darcy Swain’s cleanout, Tupaea’s promising 14-Test All Black career was abruptly ended.
He was forced to miss the Chiefs’ journey to the Super Rugby Pacific final in 2023 by sitting on the sidelines for nine months without playing rugby. He concluded the year with six games back in NPC action with Waikato.
The 24-year-old will likely start for the Chiefs at No. 12 alongside Anton Lienert-Brown as Alex Nankivell, a veteran, moves on. Blue-chip prospect Gideon Wrampling and breakout star Daniel Rona from 2023 look more suited to 13, which will help Tupaea make the case for his All Blacks comeback.
Sevu Reece
In round four of Super Rugby Pacific, the 23-Test winger sustained an ACL tear against the Blues at Eden Park, meaning he missed his 2023 year.After 15 Test tries, Reece had established himself as a dependable, naturally talented finisher at the end of the All Blacks backline.
After an amazing ascent in 2023, Mark Telea will be difficult to unseat from one of the wings, but the side will need a new winger with Leicester Fainga’anuku moving to France. When Emon Narawa, the rookie from the previous year, recovers completely from a slipped disc in his back is still to be determined.
Since Reece and Scott Robertson were teammates at the Crusaders, a strong comeback for the red and black machine may force Reece back into consideration for the national team.
Folau Fakatava.
After suffering an injury in 2021 that prevented him from getting capped, the Highlanders halfback made his All Blacks debut during the Ireland series in 2022.The residency requirements changed, raising concerns that Fakatava might lose his eligibility while out of commission, but World Rugby granted him a waiver.
Fakatava didn’t make the All Blacks roster following the Highlanders’ dismal 2023 season, despite the fact that it appeared he was bound for the team because of that unique procedure.Though he was surpassed in the rankings by Cam Roigard, the Tongan-born halfback is ready for a return in 2024.
There has never been a greater opportunity for Fakatava to advocate for an All Blacks recall, with the legendary Aaron Smith about to assume the reins at the Highlanders.Furthermore, with Smith out of the All Blacks picture, there is a lot of competition for the position of All Blacks No 9. It’s evident that Fakatava is still a contender for bigger honors after competing for the All Blacks XV under new assistant Leon Macdonald last season.
Grace Cullen
A single-cap After making his brief debut for the All Blacks in 2020, All Black has been away from the All Blacks atmosphere for a while.However, he carried on playing for a champion team at that period, winning two Super Rugby Aotearoa crowns and two Super Rugby Pacific titles with the Crusaders.
Former Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson, who is currently in an ideal position to make that a reality, gave the hybrid lock-blindside a resounding “All Black material” endorsement.The All Blacks must locate the next No. 6 placing Grace in the mix for an All Blacks homecoming in 2024 after losing blindside flanker Shannon Frizell to the Japanese league.
Though Grace’s relationship with Jason Ryan and Scott Robertson makes him a strong candidate, if he can put together a standout Super Rugby season, Akira Ioane of the Blues is also deserving of consideration.
Stephen Perofeta
The Blues pivot who gained notoriety for his 10-second All Blacks debut in 2022 is well-positioned to increase his total of three caps in 2024.Damian McKenzie is the only established 10 for the All Blacks, since Richie Mo’unga has moved to Japan and Beauden Barrett is now more of a fullback.
Barrett’s absence from the Blues’ Super Rugby Pacific campaign also means that Perofeta will have an opportunity to shine as selectors search for further depth at the position.They could be looking to challenge or support McKenzie with two more tens.
Even though the 26-year-old has played in seven Super Rugby seasons, he is still in his peak. With the dexterity needed to make moves at the line, Perofeta is a stunning ball player.Perofeta should get back into the All Blacks’ frame after a successful season with the Blues.
Brett Cameron
Despite being written off as a player following his unexpected debut in 2018, it is possible that the former Crusader may play again for the All Blacks under head coach Scott Robertson.He was forced to sit behind Mo’unga at the Crusaders for years, appearing just thirteen times in a three-year period. Cameron left the Canterbury setup for Japan in 2021 due to a lack of minutes, and he relocated provinces back to Manawatu.
That paid off when he joined the Hurricanes in 2023 for a comeback to Super Rugby, when his pairing with Cam Roigard appeared to have promise.Cameron, who is 27 years old, is not yet finished, and the Canes provide him a chance to start as a springboard for greater things. In one match against Japan last year, he represented the All Blacks XV, demonstrating that the selectors are still aware of him.Cameron will be considered for recall in 2024 if the All Blacks are searching for depth at the starting five positions.