Barretts home in for a record with All Blacks
THE All Blacks have a brotherly feeling in their 33-man squad to face the British and Irish Lions later this month.
New Zealand boss Steve Hansen has selected two uncapped players in his party in the shape of Hurricanes backs Jordie Barrett and Ngani Laumape.
The inclusion of the versatile Barrett makes it the first time a trio of brothers have been named in an All Blacks squad, as he joins fly-half Beauden and lock Scott.
“Jordie has been in outstanding form, he has a skill set which is complete and has a great running and kicking game,” said Hansen.
“Ngani too has been impressive throughout the Super season and has forced his way in through commanding performances.”
Barrett edged out the exciting Damian McKenzie for the utility role, while Laumape has been selected in midfield at the expense of Fekitoa.
World Cup-winners Malakai Fekitoa and Nehe Milner-Skudder have missed out, but there’s something of a surprise with the inclusion of 49-cap hooker Dane Coles, who has not played since mid-March because of concussion.
He was widely expected to miss out, but has been brought on board, although Hansen says he is unlikely to be available for the first two Tests.
Ryan Crotty’s selection was also in doubt after he injured ribs playing for the Crusaders against the Highlanders last week, but he is included among the centres.
Back three star and vice-captain Ben Smith, who failed a concussion test in the same match, has also been included, while skipper Kieran Read is another recent injury concern who makes it.
No.8 Read has been sidelined with a broken thumb, but his selection was not in doubt, although he is unlikely to play in the Test against Samoa at Eden Park on June 16.
Winger Rieko Ioane has been included after an impressive tryscoring display for the Blues against the Lions, along with his team-mate, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, the prop who ended Dan Biggar’s game with a big hit.
Milner-Skudder misses out having only just returned from a fractured foot, but he has been named in the New Zealand Maori squad to take on the Lions in Rotorua next week.
Hansen said the Hurricanes winger had been “very, very close” to making the All Blacks group.
“This has been by far the toughest team we’ve had to select for some time and some players who are in very good form missed out,” he said.
“We see the Lions series as a great opportunity to gauge where we’re at from both an individual and a team perspective. We’re excited by the uniqueness that comes with playing a Lions series as it only comes around every 12 years.” All Blacks squad Forwards: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu’ungafasi Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read (captain), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Ngani Laumape, Anton Leinert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.