Ashburton Guardian

13/10/2025

Looking back…
Allan Wellman

12/10/2025

One uncapped player in ABs

Prop Tevita Mafileo is the only uncapped player in an otherwise predictable, if conservative 36-strong All Black squad for their Grand Slam tour against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
Mafileo grabs the sixth propping spot, with injuries to Tyrel Lomax, Ollie Norris and Ofa Tu’ungafasi forcing a change.
In the only other talking points, George Bell (pictured) has replaced Canterbury team-mate Brodie McAlister as the third ho**er on his return to the squad, while Josh Lord has been preferred to Sam Darry in the locks.
Beauden Barrett has recovered from his shoulder injury and Finlay Christie retains his spot as the third halfback ahead of Kyle Preston.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tevita Mafileo, Scott Barrett (capt), Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson.
Backs: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Leroy Carter, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.
Unavailable due to injury: Tyrel Lomax, Tupou Vaa’i, Noah Hotham, Emoni Narawa, Ollie Norris, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta.
Tour schedule
Nov 2: v Ireland, Soldier Field, Chicago.
Nov 9: v Scotland, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh.
Nov 16: v England, Twickenham, London.
Nov 23: v Wales, Millenium Stadium, Cardiff.
NOTE: The All Blacks' XV squad, under new coach Jamie Joseph, will be named on Tuesday to play three games in a northern hemisphere tour.

12/10/2025

Looking back…
AJ Kerr

12/10/2025

Pup from Lives Worth Living chats about not taking things for granted and living in the moment.

12/10/2025

Looking back…
Stuart Wills

11/10/2025

Hoops catches up with Richard & Cassie in the Plumbing and Gas Department at ACL. They give us a look at some of the impressive kit they use on the job. Ashburton Contracting

11/10/2025

Looking back…
Ashburton Freight Services

11/10/2025

Rob Hooper chats cycling and some other random bits. 🚴‍♀️ 🤪

11/10/2025

Looking back…
Ian Young

11/10/2025

Hammer time! Mid Canterbury holds off Wairarapa Bush 21-19 to make the Meads Cup final

11/10/2025

Liz McMillan is likely to be declared as the new Ashburton District Mayor following the release of progress results in the 2025 local elections.

Liz McMillan is likely to be declared as the new Ashburton District Mayor following the release of progress results in the 2025 local elections. The progress results show McMillan with 5,472 votes, ahead of Russell Ellis on 1,828, Rob Mackle on 1,460 and Jeff Ryan on 809.

11/10/2025