Tavatavanawai among five new caps in All Blacks squad for France series

Timoci Tavatavanawai was one of five uncapped players named in the All Blacks squad for the July series against France on Monday, the Fiji-born centre earning his first test call-up at the age of 27 after a superb Super Rugby season.

Tavatavanawais power and pace along with his ability to turn the ball over at the breakdown earned him a place in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific dream team but he might find it tougher to break into the New Zealand midfield.

Coach Scott Robertson has brought Jordie Barrett straight back into his squad after a sabbatical in Ireland with Leinster and also recalled powerhouse Quinn Tupaea after three injury-blighted seasons.

Its always a challenge to pick the best players in the country, Robertson said.

You look through the whole season, you look for reliability, the ability to keep turning up, their skill sets under pressure, how they complement the group.

Its a hell of a team, just congratulations to those debutants, their families, and who supported them to get here.

Tavatavanawai said it had been an emotional moment for him and his family when he heard that his dream of an All Blacks call-up had been fulfilled.

It means everything, he said. I left (home) when I was 16. My brother and sister were about 13 and Ive missed a crucial part of their growing up. All that sacrifice comes up to this moment so its pretty special.

I think thats why mum pretty much straight away jumped in my arms.

Flanker DuPlessis Kirifi and hooker Brodie McAlister are two other experienced players who have earned their first call-ups in their late 20s on the back of standout domestic seasons.

DuPlessis is the ultimate story of what it takes to keep working and absolute desire to be an All