3 new players in All Blacks squad
Wellington: All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named three new faces into his 33-man squad to play France in three home tests next month.
Crusaders flanker Jordan Taufua, Highlanders flanker Shannon Frizell and Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi have all earned call-ups to the national team after impressive Super Rugby campaigns. Hansen made special mention of the three new All Blacks.
“It’s always a very special time being selected for the All Blacks for the first time and the players and their families can be justifiably proud of all the hard work they have done to reach this point.
Crusaders skipper Sam Whitelock has been named as captain in the absence of the injured Kieran Read.
“He’s one half of the best locking combination in the world and one of the best players on and off the park. He has a cool head under pressure and the support of the players and management.
“In saying that, we’re blessed with a number of other leaders in our group and the expectations are that they’ll continue to lead both on and off the park in their actions, and in doing so make Sam’s job that little bit easier.” Hansen said there was plenty of competition for spots in the 33-man squad.
“It was a really tough squad to select, more so because there are some very talented players who have missed out, but I’m sure they will get their opportunity in the black jersey in the near future.”
The first test against France is on June 9 at Eden Park.
Westpac Stadium in Wellington hosts the second test on June 16 with the third and final test of the series being played at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on June 23. The All Blacks squad will remain in Auckland until Tuesday before going back to their Super Rugby sides.
They will assemble again in Christchurch between May 27 and May 29 before the final round of Super Rugby matches leading into the June test window and return to camp on June 3 in preparation for the first test. All Blacks squad: Backs: Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith (vc), Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith.
Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Jordan Taufua, Sam Cane (vc), Vaea Fifita, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (c), Owen Franks, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Jeff To’omagaAllen, Tim Perry, Joe Moody, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor. Rugby Heaven