All Blacks keen to build depth on northern tour

WELLINGTON: New Zealand have included four new faces in an extended 37-man squad named Monday for their November northern hemisphere tour as they look to bounce back from the weekend loss to Australia.

With the next World Cup only two years away, the reigning champions have now lost two of 11 Tests so far this year and coach Steve Hansen sees a need to “expose more young talent” to top-level pressure.

The All Blacks will play Tests against France, Scotland and Wales on the tour with additional fixtures against the Barbarians and a France XV.

The four uncapped players include two forwards – hooker Asafo Aumua and prop Tim Perry – as well as outside backs Matt Duffie and Jack Goodhue.

We want to play attractive rugby that we can be proud of and, of course, winning is part of that. But just as importantly, we will be re-establishing the processes that allow us to do this. Steve Hansen, New Zealand coach

All 23 players who featured in Saturday’s 23-18 loss to the Wal labies in Brisbane have retained their places with Hansen keen to rectify the errors rather than point the finger.

“We want to play attractive rugby that we can be proud of and, of course, winning is part of that. But just as importantly, we will be re- establishing the processes that allow us to do this,” Hansen said.

“Adding the four new players to our squad will again allow us to expose more young talent to the highest level, where, history tells us, players grow and get better.

Of the 37 players in the squad, 19 have been selected since the All Blacks won the last World Cup two years ago.

In addition to the official touring party, a further five players who will turn out for the Barbarians in the opening match at Twickenham on Nov 4 will then assemble with the All Blacks for the French leg. — AFP