Steve Tandy has made a surprising selection call ahead of Wales’ clash with New Zealand, leaving out one of the team’s most in-form players.
The All Blacks travel to Cardiff following an impressive 43-21 victory over Scotland in Edinburgh, maintaining their unbeaten record in the inaugural Nations Championship.
Wales, meanwhile, head into the fixture on the back of a win over Japan. They will be desperate to end their 73-year wait for a victory against New Zealand, having last beaten the All Blacks in 1953.
However, Tandy has named his matchday squad without Rhys Carre, despite the loosehead prop establishing himself as one of Wales’ most important players in recent times.
The Saracens forward started all three of Wales’ Nations Championship fixtures during the summer before coming off the bench in last weekend’s victory over Japan.
He also featured in four Six Nations matches earlier this year, scoring three tries. One of those was a stunning effort against Ireland, which went on to win Try of the Tournament.
Carre made his professional debut for Cardiff in 2016 before moving to Saracens three years later.
The 28-year-old has since earned more than 30 Wales caps, featured at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and returned to the international fold in 2025 after missing out on selection for the 2023 tournament.
But he has now found himself on the outside looking in once again, with Tandy opting to leave him out of the 23 entirely for Saturday’s showdown.
Nicky Smith has been named at loosehead, with Gareth Thomas providing cover from the bench. Tandy has also confirmed that Carre’s absence is purely down to selection rather than an injury concern.
Given his recent performances and importance to the Welsh pack, the decision is likely to raise eyebrows, particularly with the prop enjoying a strong run of form.
Carre was previously overlooked under Warren Gatland, and it appears he is now facing a similar situation under his successor.
