Forgotten All Blacks get chance to prove their worth against Munster

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two-match northern tour against Munster and Georgia next month.

The 29-strong squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups with the process led by respective head coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan.

Clayton McMillan is head coach of the All Blacks XV, alongside assistant coaches Cory Jane, Jamie Mackintosh and David Hill.

McMillan, who was in camp with the All Blacks ahead of their Test in Wellington last month, is excited by the squad selected and is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase the skills of the team internationally.

“Congratulations to those selected, this is a special moment for the players and their whanau to represent their country.

“Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It’s great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons.”

Robertson, All Black head coach and All Blacks XV selector, said: “I am really pleased with the mix of this squad, having players with All Blacks experience alongside emerging talent is important.

“As an All Black coaching group, we are excited to see these players perform in a Northern Hemisphere environment, to test themselves against different playing styles and build cohesion quickly within the team.

“With both teams in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time, it’s a great chance for the talent who have worked so hard to be given this opportunity to gain experience and express themselves on the international stage.”

A small number of players from the All Blacks XV squad will travel early to Japan with the All Blacks to help with their preparation and gain additional experience in the All Blacks environment, before joining up with the All Blacks XV squad to play Munster and Georgia in November.

The All Blacks XV squad will depart for Ireland on 26 (non-NPC finalists) and 27 October (NPC finalists) and the fixtures are as follows:

Saturday, November 2 – All Blacks XV v Munster, Thomond Park Limerick, Ireland
Sunday, November 10 – All Blacks XV v Georgia, GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France

The All Blacks XV squad is:

Forwards: Xavier Numia, George Dyer, Saula Ma’u, Marcel Renata, George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund, Bradley Slater, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Hoskins Sotutu, Oliver Haig, Christian Lio-Willie.

Backs: Noah Hotham, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea, Riley Higgins, AJ Lam, Dallas McLeod, Kiniviliame Naholo, Emoni Narawa, Chay Fihaki, Shaun Stevenson.