Neil Barnes on tightest All Blacks selections: 'You don't do s**t like that lightly'

Home

Neil Barnes on tightest All Blacks selections: 'You don't do s**t like that lightly'

2026/06/23 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

All Blacks lead assistant coach Neil Barnes has shared some insights into the tight selection calls in the first All Blacks squad of 2026, addressing the established Test players who have been left out.

Some of the names fans were most shocked not to see in Monday's squad included Rieko Ioane and Du'Plessis Kirifi, both in their prime playing years and were All Blacks in 2025.

ADVERTISEMENT

Barnes told Sport Nation's Scotty and Izzy radio show that he had felt the weight of responsibility involved in selecting his first All Blacks squad, and was pushed to work harder than he had before to make his selections. The former Canada, Fiji and Italy assistant joined All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie and former head coach, Sir Graham Henry, on the national team's selection panel.

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.

ADVERTISEMENT

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.

Next page

Springboks’ Rassie Erasmus Faces Selection Dilemma as Lood de Jager Returns and Du Toit Plans Unveiled

The Springbok’s Heart Off the Pitch: Cheslin Kolbe’s Real‑Life Story Behind the Rugby Glory

Rassie Erasmus Signs On Through 2027 — The Springboks’ Identity Builder Isn’t Going Anywhere ✍️💚

'It's No Secret' - NZ Rugby, Mired in Controversy, Confirms Dramatic Negotiations for Richie Mo'unga's Unexpected Comeback to All Blacks Jersey 🏉🔥💔

NEW Details Confirmed: Scott Robertson Implies NZR Are Chasing Another Player Based in Japan after Richie Mo’unga Dialogues

'Terrible, shocking' – Warren Gatland blasts 'career-worst’ performance

Wales name two newbies in callow 23 as Gatland aims dig at Scotland

All Blacks stat padding Scott Robertson's entry into Test rugby

NFL Makes Major Decision on Eagles After Jalen Hurts' Blood Clot Diagnosis...See More

Tyler Cameron and Tate Madden Are Expecting Their First Baby—Their DWTS Announcement Has Fans Celebrating...See More

Sarah Palin Stands by Ron Duguay Amid Stage IV Cancer Battle: Fans Rally Around the Couple...See More

"Full House" alum Jodie Sweetin Reveals How Bob Saget Protected Her During a Terrifying Drive-By Shooting...See More

Girls Next Door star Bridget Marquardt revealed that she and film director Nicholas Carpenter had gotten married 18 years after they started dating.

Madden Returns to Dancing After 12 Years—And Her Emotional Tribute to Her Husband's Mother Touches Hearts...See More

Kim Kardashian Opens Up About Parenting North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm — Her Honest Confessions Leave Fans Talking

Ryan Lochte’s Ex Kayla Rae Reid Hits Back at Fiancée Molly Gillihan, Accuses Her of “Desperation for Attention” — What Really Happened?

Lady Gaga Says Mother Monster Is Still Working Hard After Baby Girl’s Arrival

NFL Alum Kasey Redfern’s Wife Reveals the Painful Truth About His Final Days: “Shouldn’t Have Lived as Long as He Did”

Shocking & Emotional: How Dolly Parton Kept Inspiring Miley Cyrus Even After Her Passing? #AuntDolly

Heartbreaking Update: Sahara Ray’s Sudden Death at 34, Months After Baby Snow’s Arrival