Pivac calls up two Kiwis into Welsh squad

Wayne Pivac has wasted no time doubling the presence of New Zealanders in the Welsh squad.

Naming his first team to face Warren Gatland’s Barbarians in Cardiff next week, Pivac called up Auckland-born Willis Halaholo, who previously played for Southland, Waikato and the Hurricanes, and former Crusaders outside back Johnny McNicholl.

In recent times Wales have had other Kiwis in the form of former Blues and Chiefs playmaker Gareth Anscombe, who qualifies through his mother, and midfielder Hadleigh

Parkes. Halaholo qualified on residency grounds last month having been at the Cardiff Blues since 2016 while McNicholl, who plays for Scarlets, became available for Wales on November 3 after completing the controversial threeyear conversion period.

The pair, both 29, will be some of the last players to sneak in under this criterion — often dubbed the project player rule — before it is extended to five-years from 2020.

They are among five uncapped players joining 22 members of the World Cup squad in lining up against the Barbarians.

“I personally know a lot about

Johnny and I had Willis in the Auckland age groups when I was coaching there, so I know his background,” Pivac said. “They’re both exciting attacking players. It’s an opportunity for us to get Willis in for a week and have a look at him.

“We spoke to him earlier in the season about parts of his game we like and parts we think he can work on. It will be an interesting week to see how some players step up into a new environment and he’s one of those players.

“It is great to get the squad announced and get the ball rolling on our first meet-up and first fixture next week.’’