Anton Segner Set to Make All Blacks Debut vs Italy

Segner’s Journey from Frankfurt to All Blacks

The 24‑year‑old backrower arrived in New Zealand in 2017 as a 15‑year‑old exchange student from Frankfurt, originally planning a six‑month stay. He attended Nelson College, a historic secondary school that has produced 23 All Blacks and was home to the country’s first rugby match in 1870. After starring for the Crusaders under‑20 side and the Tasman Makos in the provincial championship, Segner joined the Auckland‑based Blues in 2024. He credits Kiwi coaches he met while playing at age ten in Frankfurt for sparking his dream to play for New Zealand. “Rugby here is like football in Germany—it’s a rugby‑crazy country,” he said, adding that earning a spot in the All Blacks is “definitely a dream come true.”

Euro‑Born Milestone for New Zealand Rugby

Segner becomes the first player born in Germany to represent the All Blacks, marking a notable milestone for the New Zealand union. The selection committee, led by head coach Dave Rennie, highlighted Segner’s ball‑winning ability, resilience and line‑out contribution as reasons for his inclusion. Rennie praised Segner as the best Blues player this season, noting his impact both in the loose and in set‑piece situations. The debut will come off the bench against Italy in the Nations Championship’s second round, alongside winger Josh Moorby, who also makes his first‑time appearance. This historic moment underscores the growing international talent pool feeding New Zealand’s rugby pipeline.

Backline Changes Ahead of Italy Test

Rennie retained the core of his backline, keeping the inside backs trio of Cam Roigard at scrumhalf, Ruben Love at flyhalf and Jordie Barrett at inside centre. Billy Proctor replaces Quinn Tupaea at outside centre, while Leroy Carter shifts to the left wing in place of Caleb Clarke. On the forward pack, Wallace Sititi moves to blindside flanker, with Luke Jacobson and captain Ardie Savea unchanged. Second‑row depth grows with Tupou Vaa’i joining Sam Darry, and Tyrel Lomax starts at tighthead prop, displacing Fletcher Newell. The bench features Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower and Josh Lord, plus Segner, Moorby and Anton Lienert‑Brown, who all debut in the tournament.

Key Stats and Squad Shift

Segner’s move to New Zealand set off a rapid rise through the provincial system, culminating in a Super Rugby contract with the Blues for the 2024 season. Josh Moorby returned to the Hurricanes this year and matched the Super Rugby season try‑scoring record with 17 tries, a feat that earned him a place among the starting backs. The 11‑player overhaul includes five starters, reflecting Rennie’s desire to blend experience with fresh talent. Italy, fresh from a Six Nations campaign where they proved capable of upsetting top teams, will face a side that balances respect for its opponent with confidence in its own structure. The coach emphasized that the changes reward players who “deserved and would benefit from a second successive run” while giving others their opportunity.

Looking Ahead – Respect for Italy

Rugby’s Nations Championship is now entering a critical phase, with the All Blacks aiming to build on their opening win over France (34‑32). The Italian side, having shown it can disrupt established powers during the Six Nations, will provide a stern test for Rennie’s evolving squad. Segner’s debut and Moorby’s return add both symbolic and statistical weight to New Zealand’s campaign, hinting at a season where depth and continuity will be key. Fans can expect the All Blacks to blend seasoned veterans with emerging talent as they pursue another major trophy. The contest promises to be a showcase of the growing international flavor of New Zealand rugby and the competitive spirit of the Nations Championship.