All Blacks bring in new faces for Rugby Championship
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has revealed his squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship.
There are five uncapped players in the squad. They are Cam Roigard, Dallas McLeod, Emoni Narawa, Samipeni Finau and Tamaiti Williams.
Although not listed as an official squad member, Shaun Stevenson has been added as injury cover for Mark Telea for the start of the Rugby Championship.
Foster has also announced that Sam Cane will return as captain of the All Blacks.
“We are very excited about the group we have selected,” Foster said.
“The Rugby Championship is a vital piece in our preparation for the World Cup later in the year.
“It’s a key opportunity to get our game ready so we can enter the global tournament with confidence.”
On Cane, Foster added: “Sam has proven himself as a great leader of our team despite having had a disrupted couple of seasons leading into this one
“We have total belief that he is the right man to lead us.”
On the new faces in the squad, Foster said: “This is a very special day for them and their families who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements
“We have a new group of exciting players who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey.”
The players who are unavailable due to injury are Angus Ta’avao, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, David Havili, Joe Moody, George Bower, Patrick Tuipulotu, Quinn Tupaea, Sevu Reece and TJ Perenara.
A number of other capped All Blacks and emerging players will be given the opportunity to gain valuable experience on tour with the All Blacks XV.
The squad will play two matches in Japan next month, boosting the depth in New Zealand’s talent pool as the Rugby World Cup approaches.
All Blacks Rugby Championship squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho
Props: Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (captain), Samipeni Finau, Shannon Frizell
Scrumhalves: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard
Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mark Telea, Will Jordan.
