As the Super Rugby Pacific season draws to a close, the All Blacks are gearing up for the Nations Championship, with a new selection panel in place. This means that some players who have been stalwarts of the team are now under the microscope, facing the prospect of being cut from the squad. In this article, I'll be taking a closer look at four All Blacks who are at risk of being left out in 2026, and what it means for their future in the sport.
The Uncertain Future of the All Blacks
The All Blacks have always been known for their fierce competition and high standards, and this year is no different. With a new regime in place, the pressure is on for players to prove themselves worthy of a place in the squad. In my opinion, the four players mentioned in the source material are the ones who are most at risk of being left out.
Leroy Carter: The Wing Under Pressure
Leroy Carter, a wing player for the Chiefs, had a breakout season in 2025, forming a prolific partnership with Emoni Narawa. His form led to an All Black selection, where he started on debut against the Springboks. However, with the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku and the form of Caleb Tangitau, Carter's position is now under threat. In my view, the wing position has become hypercompetitive, and Carter will need to step up his game to retain his place. I think that the fact that he has been moved to 13 to cover the midfield for two games is a sign that the team is looking for more versatility from him, and he will need to deliver if he wants to stay in the squad.
Simon Parker: The Bolter Under Pressure
Simon Parker, a bolter pick last season, filled the problematic blindside role for the All Blacks. However, with the return of Devan Flanders and the form of Peter Lakai and Du'Plessis Kirifi, Parker's position is now under threat. I think that the fact that he has been absent from the list of in-form loose forwards is a sign that he will need to step up his game to retain his place. In my opinion, the competition for places in the loose forwards is fierce, and Parker will need to deliver if he wants to stay in the squad.
Billy Proctor: The Centre Under Pressure
Billy Proctor, a centre player for the Hurricanes, is a good selection based on his attacking form. However, his defence has been a weakness, and he has been exposed a lot this season. I think that the fact that Quinn Tupaea was moved to 13 last year and excelled is a bad sign for Proctor. In my opinion, the All Blacks should not give up on him yet, but he will need to improve his defence if he wants to stay in the squad.
Finlay Christie: The Halfback Under Pressure
Finlay Christie, a halfback player for the Blues, was a hero at Eden Park last year against the Springboks. However, with the return of Cam Roigard and the form of Noah Hotham, Christie's position is now under threat. I think that the fact that he has been pushed to the bench is a sign that he will need to step up his game to retain his place. In my opinion, the competition for places in the halfback position is fierce, and Christie will need to deliver if he wants to stay in the squad.
The Broader Implications
The pressure on these four players is not just about their individual performances, but also about the broader implications for the All Blacks. In my view, the fact that they are under pressure is a sign that the team is undergoing a transition period, and that the new regime is looking to refresh the squad. I think that this is an exciting time for the All Blacks, and that the players who step up to the challenge will be rewarded.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the four All Blacks mentioned in the source material are the ones who are most at risk of being left out in 2026. However, I think that this is an exciting time for the team, and that the players who step up to the challenge will be rewarded. The competition for places is fierce, and the new regime is looking to refresh the squad. I think that the All Blacks are in a strong position to succeed in the Nations Championship, and that the players who retain their places will be part of a successful team.
