WELLINGTON, New Zealand – In a historic milestone for New Zealand rugby, 24-year-old backrower Anton Segner is on track to become the first German-born player ever to represent the iconic All Blacks, set to make his international debut off the bench this Saturday during the second round of the Nations Championship against Italy.
The Auckland Blues standout was among 11 changes to the All Blacks lineup announced by head coach Dave Rennie, following the team’s narrow 34-32 opening-round victory over France. Five of the adjustments see new players stepping into starting positions, and Segner will share his debut milestone with winger Josh Moorby, who will also earn his first cap for the national side.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Segner first arrived in New Zealand back in 2015 at age 15 as an exchange student, originally planning for only a six-month stay. He went on to attend Nelson College, New Zealand’s oldest secondary school, an institution with deep roots in rugby history – it hosted the first recorded rugby match played in New Zealand in 1870 and has produced 23 All Blacks players to date.
After his initial stay, Segner carved out a successful domestic rugby career: he led the under-20 side of the Christchurch-based Crusaders, represented the Tasman Makos in New Zealand’s domestic National Provincial Championship, and joined the Blues in 2024 ahead of his first full Super Rugby season with the Auckland franchise.
Segner recalled that his connection to New Zealand rugby began much earlier, when he was just 10 years old playing club rugby in Frankfurt. “I had a whole bunch of Kiwi coaches there who inspired me to come over to New Zealand to give rugby a go,” he explained. Comparing rugby culture in New Zealand to the passion Germans have for soccer, he added, “It’s a rugby-crazy country and that’s all I wanted. To make this (All Blacks) squad now is definitely a dream come true.”
Rennie heaped praise on Segner, identifying him as the standout performer from the Blues through the 2025 Super Rugby season. The head coach highlighted Segner’s strengths: elite ball-winning ability in open play, proven on-field resilience, and consistent value at lineouts, all of which earned him his call-up to the national squad.
Joining Segner as a debutant, Josh Moorby has had a standout 2025 Super Rugby campaign. After leaving New Zealand in 2024 for a stint with French Top 14 side Montpellier, Moorby returned to the Wellington Hurricanes this year and notched 17 tries, tying the all-time single-season try-scoring record in Super Rugby.
Rennie explained that his adjustments to the lineup were designed to balance opportunities for in-form players while maintaining continuity for combinations that proved successful against France. “There are a number of players and combinations who we felt deserved and would benefit from a second successive run, and other players who have earned the right to get their opportunity,” Rennie said.
The head coach emphasized that the rotated lineup reflects the All Blacks’ full respect for Italy’s growing competitiveness in international rugby, adding, “This is a strong side to reflect the respect we have for this Italian team. They have shown through the Six Nations competition that they are capable of knocking over any team.”
Most of the All Blacks’ backline structure remains unchanged from the opening round, with the starting combination of scrumhalf Cam Roigard, flyhalf Ruben Love and inside center Jordie Barrett retained. Changes to the starting side include Billy Proctor replacing Quinn Tupaea at outside center, Leroy Carter stepping in for Caleb Clarke on the left wing, Wallace Sititi taking over from Peter Lakai on blindside flanker, Tupou Vaa’i partnering Sam Darry in the second row, and Tyrel Lomax starting at tighthead prop in place of Fletcher Newell. Luke Jacobson retains his spot at openside flanker, with captain Ardie Savea remaining at number 8.
On the reserves bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho will cover hooker, George Bower joins as a new prop option, lock Josh Lord drops to the reserves after starting against France, and Segner, Moorby and Anton Lienert-Brown all earn their first call-ups to the matchday squad for the 2025 Nations Championship.