Reece, Sotutu in All Blacks squad

Sevu Reece and Hoskins Sotutu are the only Fijian descent players named in the All Blacks’ squad to play in the Rugby Championship.

Dropped are George Bower who played in the last three Test matches along with former

Fijian Under-20 prop Alex Hodgman.

“Our players are looking forward to spending some time at home before what is shaping up to be a hugely-competitive Rugby Championship,” said All Blacks head coach Ian Foster.

“The Bledisloe Cup Series is a great way for us to kick off this part of the season. It’s our first challenge; we’re playing for a trophy that is massively important to us, and we’re both coming in fresh off our respective series wins, so it bodes well for a great series.”

The All Blacks will have a two-day camp in Christchurch next week before assembling in Auckland for the first Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park on Saturday, August 7. The second Bledisloe Test is at Optus Stadium, Perth, on Saturday, August 21, with the third back home at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Saturday, August 28.

Forwards- Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor; Props: Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi; Locks:

Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’I, Samuel Whitelock;

Loose Forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu

Backs- Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber: First five–eighths: Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga: Midfielders: Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea.

Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece.