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nations-championship
With Chaya Fihaki, Josh Jacomba and Saul Ma’u waiting for their chance at the All black people‘ Nations Championship Northern Tour head coach Dave Rennie explained the challenge facing the trio as they await their chance in the remaining two Tests of 2026.
Many believed Nations Championship contest against Wales was a chance to hand Josh Jacomb his first Test start, while Fihaki and Ma’u remain as depth options for the final two weeks of the four-Test tour.
Jacomb started for the All Blacks in their biggest rivalry match in midweek rugby against Bulls in Pretoria, and came off the bench against both Lions and sharks.
New Highlanders the recruit currently sits behind Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’unga in the pecking order, while experienced veteran Beauden Barrett is also an option in the No.10 shirt.
He made one appearance off the bench for Ma’u in the All Blacks’ 41-35 win over the Lions in Johannesburg, but was left behind Fletcher Newell and Pasilio Tosi on the end-of-year tour.
Fihaki, who made his Test debut off the bench at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in the 2026 Bledisloe Cup Test match against Australia, could enter the selection picture against England with Will Jordan nursing a tendon tear, but it seems unlikely.
When asked why the trio did not appear in the 23-man squad for the Wales Test match in Cardiff, Rennie gave his reasons.
“There they are no guarantees. We to talk a a lot Fr to earn money the right that game, iall three of the guys WHO missed out in choice in the first two weeks to have everything played in the jersey before,” Rennie said in Cardiff.
“Obviously, Chai Got a Test debut in sydney, and the the rest two guys played in Africa. therefore, no means that they won’t get an opportunity he this tour. But yes, based on, you know, apparently Richie is coming back, that made meaning.
“Some, you know, we were keen that have, obviously, Beauden in the mix as well, and he I can lid 10 so look, certainly the three guys WHO I didn’t naked more are determined, and theirs jobs that continue that the train good and apply pressure.
“We only decided in the end it will to give us a a little bit more experience. I means, if we Got below pressure with so many guys is missing experience, that could put us below a bit of pressure.
“We I want that to pay respect that Wales also. We‘ve chose a side that we think about it will show some respect for them.”
Rennie provided an update on the fitness of Jordan, who is fit for this weekend’s Nations Championship final after suffering a minor “hamstring tear” against Scotland.
“yes, no, he is a a chance that to be available in the the last one week,” the All Blacks coach said.
“He is Got boxes that tick together the way, so he is was doing a a little bit of strength work done the the last one couple of days, and the plan is that run him saturday, I think about it.
“I if he there is any setbacks among that, then he is probably that the return home. BTue at this stage, he is a a chance that to play in that the final a week, then he will stay in camp.”