All Blacks XV bolster squad ahead of Northern Tour
SQUAD UPDATE: The All Blacks XV have called in an additional six players to join the squad, ahead of their inaugural Northern Tour against Ireland ‘A’ and Barbarians.
Cortez Ratima, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane, Tevita Mafileo and Tyrone Thompson will join the All Blacks XV in Auckland on Thursday.
They will replace the injured players and covering those called in to join the All Blacks.
The players that are unavailable due to injury are George Bell, Bryn Gatland, Oli Jager and Angus Ta’avao
Asafo Aumua, Damian McKenzie, Mark Telea, Patrick Tuipulotu and Brad Weber have been called up from the All Blacks XV to join the All Blacks as a result of forced personnel changes.
These players may re-join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland, any updates to the squad will be worked through following All Blacks v Japan match this weekend.
The All Blacks XV will face Ireland ‘A’ on November 4 and then the Barbarians on (November 13).
The updated 25-strong All Blacks XV squad is as follows:
Forwards: Finlay Brewis, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Aidan Ross, Tamaiti Williams, Tevita Mafileo, Brodie McAlister, Tyrone Thompson, Josh Dickson, Zach Gallagher, Dominic Gardiner, Billy Harmon, Luke Jacobson, Christian Lio-Willie, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Cam Roigard, Josh Ioane, Levi Aumua, Bryce Heem, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, AJ Lam, Ruben Love, Shaun Stevenson.
