Savea not wanted for Rugby Championship squad
WELLINGTON: All Black coach Steve Hansen has run out of patience with prolific tryscoring winger Julian Savea, dropping him from the squad for the Rugby Championship.
Savea is the most glaring omission from the 33man group unveiled yesterday for the tournament which begins with next week’s test against Australia in Sydney.
Hansen said Savea and flanker Matt Todd were both unlucky to be cut.
The scorer of 46 tries from 54 tests, Savea has struggled this year, facing the British and Irish Lions in the third test only.
He also lacked zip with the Hurricanes and was named on the bench for their Super Rugby semifinal loss to the Lions.
‘‘Julian’s been a very, very good All Black for us and done some great things — I feel for him a wee bit at this stage,’’ Hansen said.
‘‘I’m sure he won’t have finished his time in the jersey. He’s still a very good rugby player and there’s a lot left in him.
‘‘The other guy who always seems to be unlucky is Mattie Todd. He’s an outstanding rugby player, but unfortunately we can only fit two openside flankers into the squad.
‘‘Again, I think we’ll see him before the year’s out in the jersey.’’
There are recalls for Hurricanes outside back Nehe MilnerSkudder and prop Nepo Laulala, who both last played in 2015 before being struck down with serious injuries.
Hooker Dane Coles returns after missing the Lions series with concussion symptoms.
Hansen has otherwise resisted the urge to make changes from the squad which contested the drawn series against the Lions.
Uncapped Chiefs prop Atu Moli (22) is named as an ‘‘apprentice player’’. The former New Zealand under20 captain is not part of the official squad but will assemble and train with it.
Not considered were centre Malakai Fekitoa, first fiveeighth Aaron Cruden and prop Charlie Faumuina after signing offshore contracts.
Halfback Tawera KerrBarlow will also leave for France later in the year but has been retained as the likely thirdchoice No 9.
Fullback Ben Smith will play the first two tests only before taking a sabbatical for the remainder of the year.
Versatile back Damian McKenzie is included, boasting an ability to cover both fullback and first fiveeighth, where Beauden Barrett and Lima Sopoaga are the only candidates.
The All Blacks will stage a ‘‘game of three halves’’ practice match against Counties Manukau and Taranaki in Pukekohe on Friday.
Crusaders players, returning from their Super Rugby final win over the Lions, will not be considered for that game.
Instead, Kane Hames, Jeffrey ToomagaAllen, Patrick Tuipulotu and Akira Ioane have been drafted in as cover. — NZN