The 2026 All Blacks selection process is heating up, with a number of players under the microscope as the competition intensifies. Here's a breakdown of the four players who are at risk of not making the cut, along with personal commentary and analysis.
Leroy Carter (Chiefs)
Leroy Carter had a breakout season in 2025, forming a prolific wing combination with Emoni Narawa. His form led to an All Black selection, where he started on debut in Wellington against the Springboks. However, the wing position has become hypercompetitive, with Caleb Tangitau, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Will Jordan all in the mix. In 2026, Carter has been a jigsaw piece for the Chiefs, moving to 13 to cover the midfield for two games and switching from the left to right wing frequently. While he’s bagged four tries and come up with five try assists, the competition for the outside back positions is fierce. Personally, I think Carter's versatility and form make him a strong contender, but the return of Fainga’anuku and the form of Tangitau could see him under pressure.
Simon Parker (Chiefs)
Simon Parker was a bolter pick last season, filling the problematic blindside role for the All Blacks. However, he's already under pressure to retain his place in the loose forwards. In 2026, Parker's name hasn't been tossed up for in-form loose forwards, with Devan Flanders heading overseas and Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis Kirifi vying for selection. The Crusaders have at least two players who can play blindside, and Ethan Blackadder brings more versatility than Parker. Between Segner, Blackadder, and Gardiner, Parker could get squeezed. In my opinion, Parker's new three-year deal by NZR is a positive sign, but his competition for a spot is fierce.
Billy Proctor (Hurricanes)
Centre is the problematic position for the All Blacks, with no real locked-in candidate. Proctor is a good selection and deserving on his attacking form, but he has flaws that have been exposed a lot in defence this season. At international level, he cannot keep making reads in defence that see his channel breached. If it happens at Super Rugby level often, it will happen in Test matches. The All Blacks shouldn’t give up on Proctor yet, but the fact that Quinn Tupaea was moved to 13 last year and excelled is a bad sign for him. The best option for the All Blacks is returning Blues centre Rieko Ioane from Leinster. The Barrett-Ioane midfield has proven to be successful and was dismantled by Robertson without cause in 2025. With a change in coaching staff, Ioane could be back in the 13 jersey. Anton Lienert-Brown, a veteran All Black, is a dark horse, having played for many years under Rennie at the Chiefs.
Finlay Christie (Blues)
Finlay Christie was a hero at Eden Park last year against the Springboks, but he was already battling to retain his place last year. Injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham saw Christie called up frequently, along with debutant Kyle Preston from the Crusaders. With Cortez Ratima another young option with more dynamism, Christie may get squeezed until injury strikes again. While Xavier Roe has put Ratima on the bench for the Chiefs, Sam Nock is also getting more starts for the Blues, forcing Christie to a bench role. The smokey pick is Adam Lennox of the Highlanders, who has pushed two-cap All Black Folau Fakatava to the bench. There is a lot of pressure on Christie to force his way in as one of the three All Black halfbacks.
