Du’Plessis Kirifi named at second five-eighths for Wellington in NPC clash
Wellington loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi has been selected in the midfield position for Saturday's NPC match against Auckland.
All Blacks loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi will start at second five-eighths for Wellington in their NPC round two clash against Auckland at Western Springs on Saturday. The specialist openside flanker's shift to the midfield is a notable positional change for the player, described as made through necessity by one outlet. The selection has attracted attention ahead of the match.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks: Du’Plessis Kirifi named at second five-eighths for Wellington in NPC clash in Auckland
Overlooked All Blacks loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi has a chance to prove his versality after being named at second five-eighths for Wellington’s NPC clash against Auckland at Western Springs on Saturday.
Newstalk ZB
Wednesday 05 August 2026: Du’Plessis Kirifi on his switch to second five for this weekend's clash against Auckland in the NPC
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 5 August 2026, today, the teams were named for the second round of the NPC and one particular selection raised plenty of eyebrows. Wellington Lions loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi was named to start…
Stuff
After his shock All Blacks omission, Wellington flanker has a new position
In a selection shocker, the specialist openside flanker will start in the midfield for Wellington in Saturday’s NPC clash against Auckland.
Newstalk ZB
Du’Plessis Kirifi: Wellington Lions loose forward on his new role for Wellington in NPC clash in Auckland
Flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi is making a shock NPC switch to the number 12 jersey for Wellington against Auckland on Saturday through necessity, not choice.
Stuff
Wellington face Auckland with Du'Plessis Kirifi at second five-eighth
Follow live coverage of the NPC round 2 clash between Auckland and Wellington at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland.