Kirifi gets nod over Boshier

LACHLAN Boshier has again been overlooked for the All Blacks.

Wellington skipper Du'Plessis Kirifi has been brought into the squad for the TriNations as cover for Ardie Savea, who is due to become a father for the second time.

Boshier must be wondering what he has to do, although the All Blacks selectors appear to be looking for big ball runners in the loose forwards rather

than a fetching type player such as Boshier.

He continues to put in outstanding performances for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup, backing up an impressive season for the Chiefs.

Kirifi (23) is originally from Taranaki and went to school with Jordie Barrett and has been one of the better performers for a Wellington team which has been inconsistent.

The squad is set to head to Australia on Sunday with the first game against Australia in Sydney on October 31.

Canterbury forwards Cullen Grace and Mitchell Dunshea have been released to play for their provincial side this weekend against Bay of Plenty. Also set for some provincial play is Akira Ioane, who will play for Auckland this weekend when it takes on North Harbour.