Brothers to fore in Tall Blacks

The unavailability of Tom Abercrombie and Mika Vukona has opened the door for 18-year-old Dan Fotu to make a ‘‘dream’’ Tall Blacks debut alongside his older brother in New Zealand’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against China and South Korea.

Tall Blacks coach Paul Henare has named two sets of brothers in his 12-man squad, with Fotu joining his older sibling Isaac Fotu and national team regulars Corey and Tai Webster.

Having never played on the same team together, Dan Fotu said he can’t wait for the opportunity to join his big bro in camp, after receiving a surprise callup.

‘‘When I saw who it was I took a minute to answer it and got the

news, the good news,’’ 18-year-old Fotu said.

The former Rangitoto College student and Breakers development player replaces Abercrombie, who was not considered for selection due to the pending arrival of his second child. Also missing is veteran Vukona, who has been rested under the recommendation from the Breakers medical team.

‘‘I have played for age-group teams and the Junior Tall Blacks and that is really good, but the Tall Blacks is top dog, so getting the call was a dream come true,’’ Fotu said.

‘‘Making the team with Isaac makes it even more special. This has never happened, we have never been on the same team before. It is going to be good for sure.

‘‘Way back Isaac and [sister] Gabriella sister used to be dominant, but now I have grown I am more dominant, so I think I can beat him one on one from now on.

The Tall Blacks have touched down in Dongguan ahead of their game against China on Saturday. They will then travel to Seoul to take on South Korea on Monday. The two games against the Group A heavyweights take on extra importance after the Tall Blacks dropped their home opener against Korea in November.