New Zealand coach Scott Robertson named five debutants on Monday in a 33-man squad skippered by Scott Barrett for three Tests against France, as Dalton Papali’i, Ethan Blackadder and David Havili missed out.
The new faces include forwards Brodie McAlister, Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, and Du’Plessis Kirifi, along with wing Timoci Tavatavanawai.
‘Continue to build’
Robertson said the line-up for Tests next month in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton was a balance of “continuity and opportunity”.
“Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 northern tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year,” he said.
“We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific.
“For the five uncapped players this is a particularly special day,” he added.
“These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad.”
The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and centre Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured since 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Scott Barrett retains the captaincy, with brother Jordie and veteran flanker Ardie Savea his deputies.
“Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie,” said Robertson.
“They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.”
New Zealand squad:
Forwards (18)
Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Chiefs), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Ethan de Groot (Highlanders), Tamaiti Williams (Crusaders), Ollie Norris (Chiefs), Tyrel Lomax (Hurricanes), Fletcher Newell (Crusaders), Pasilio Tosi (Hurricanes), Scott Barrett (Crusaders, captain), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Tupou Vaa’i (Chiefs), Fabian Holland (Highlanders), Samipeni Finau (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Wallace Sititi (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)
Backs (15)
Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes), Cortez Ratima (Chiefs), Noah Hotham (Crusaders), Beauden Barrett (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Quinn Tupaea (Chiefs), Billy Proctor (Hurricanes), Timoci Tavatavanawai (Highlanders), Caleb Clarke (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Will Jordan (Crusaders), Ruben Love (Hurricanes)
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