Snubbed All Black makes surprise positional switch
Overlooked All Blacks loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi has a chance to prove his versality after being named at second five-eighths for Wellington’s NPC clash against Auckland at Western Springs on Saturday.
The eight-test All Black was a notable omission from Dave Rennie’s 44-man squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.
Rennie indicated the coaching group had favoured players capable of covering multiple positions, and felt they had sufficient depth at openside flanker.
After missing out, Kirifi returned to Wellington colours at openside in Sunday’s 52-33 season-opening loss to Hawke’s Bay, crossing for a try.
This weekend, however, the 29-year-old will wear the No 12 jersey in an unexpected positional switch that offers a chance to showcase his versatility.
Kirifi’s move contrasts with the transition made by Leicester Fainga’anuku earlier this year, when the former winger and midfield back shifted to openside flanker for the Crusaders during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Kirifi was one of the Hurricanes’ standout performers in 2026, helping guide the franchise to its second Super Rugby Pacific title.
Rennie insisted Kirifi remained firmly in the selectors’ thinking.
“I spoke to a handful of guys, so I’m not going to go into those in massive detail, but as you’ve seen with the guys that we used in the Nations Championship, those boys fronted well for us,” Rennie said.
“Luke [Jacobson], Anton [Segner], Peter Lakai and Ardie [Savea] can all play seven, and Dups is a good player. He had a good season, but there are good players who have missed the squad, not just him.
“His job is to go away, keep working hard and be ready if an opportunity arises. I’d be surprised if we don’t call someone in at some stage.“
Meanwhile, Richie Mo’unga starts at first five-eighths for Canterbury in Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against holders Otago in Dunedin.
The 56-test All Black marked his return to New Zealand rugby last week by coming off the bench to score the match-winning try against Auckland.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
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