All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has included five uncapped players in his 33-man squad to take on France, naming Fijian-born wrecking-ball back Timoci Tavatavanawai and Dutchman Fabian Holland for the three-match Test series.

Prop Ollie Norris, hooker Brodie McAlister and openside flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi are the other uncapped players in the squad.

Japan-bound winger Mark Tele’a and Crusaders back-rower Ethan Blackadder were two of the big omissions from the squad, while Kirifi was also picked ahead of Blues back-rower Dalton Papali’i. Crusaders skipper David Havili, who has played 32 Tests, was also left out.

Uncapped Crusaders back-rower Christian Lio-Willie has been placed on standby for Chiefs skipper Luke Jacobson, while Emoni Nawara is also cover for regular midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown.

“For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – this is a particularly special day,” Robertson said.

“These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad.

“We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks.”

Interestingly, only four specialist outside backs, including two wingers, were included in the 33-man squad.

Instead, Robertson opted for six midfielders, although Tavatavanawai has spent a lot of time on the wing over the past few seasons. Regular outside centre Rieko Ioane was also once World Rugby breakthrough player of the year, having made his name on the wing.

Robertson could also play either playmaker Beauden Barrett or Damian McKenzie at fullback, which would see regular No.15 Will Jordan shift to the wing.

Chiefs flyer Nawara, who was superb during the Super Rugby finals series, is also on standby for midfielder Lienert-Brown, which could indicate that another winger is about to join Robertson’s side.

Former All Blacks captain Justin Marshall said he was surprised at the lack of genuine wing options.

“I think they’ve answered a few questions and left some questions unanswered,” the former No.9 said on Sky.

“It looks a little thin in the back three initially. The midfield’s really cluttered but again, it’s where they’re looking to play certain players (like) Rieko Ioane, Tavatavanawai.”

Highlanders back Timoci Tavatavanawai was one of five uncapped players named in Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Robertson said he was pleased to be able to build on the continuity of last year.

“Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year,” he said.

“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.”

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan said “character” was a particular attribute the coaching staff had looked at and said the quartet of new forwards, particularly Kirifi, had that in spades.

“There’s two parts (selection), I think one is firstly they’ve all earned it and secondly they’ve got great character, and when you think about selecting an All Black forward you’ve got to have character when the contest is at its hottest,” Ryan said.

“I believe Ollie Norris has showed some good progress in his season he’s been incredibly accurate both sides of the ball and he’s learning his craft really really well.

Du’Plessis Kirifi has been knocking on the All Blacks selection door for years. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“Brodie McAlister has earned the right he’s been a consistent performer right through Super Rugby through the whole campaign. He was in around us last year and proved how good he is around his core roles.

“Fabian, we love him because he just loves the contest and everywhere on the field he’s in the contest whether or not he’s with the ball or without the ball he’s a competitor.

“Du’Plessis, I think it’s a great story for Doops, he’s working extremely hard. He’s the ultimate story of what it takes to keep working and (have an) absolute desire to be an All Black, and he’s worked well. I think he’s got the balance right he’s learned a lot about himself leading Wellington and the Hurricanes and that has pulled the best out of him and we know he’s ready.”

All Blacks squad to take on France

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister

Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi

Locks: Scott Barrett (capt), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland

Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham

First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai

Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Injury cover:Christian Lio-Willie (for Luke Jacobson), Emoni Narawa (for Anton Lienert-Brown)

Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta.

All Blacks fixtures vs France

First Test: Dunedin, July 5

Second Test: Wellington, July 12

Third Test: Hamilton, July 19