Unwanted ABs named in NZ M¯aori squad

Unwanted All Blacks Nathan Harris, Tyrel Lomax and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi have been named in the NZ Ma¯ ori side to play Fiji.

The trio, members of the All Blacks party that toured Japan last year, were not included in the 39-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship when it was revealed in Auckland on Tuesday night.

Hooker Harris, tighthead prop Lomax and halfback Tahuriorangi lost their places after failing to convince the national selectors that their Super Rugby form was good enough to warrant selection.

Lomax made his test debut against Japan in Tokyo last year before returning to New Zealand. Harris and Tahuriorangi continued with the main squad to England, Ireland and Italy.

If the trio are to force their way into the World Cup squad for the tournament in Japan later this year, they will have to produce some compelling performances to impress the national selectors in the next two months.

Blues No 8 Akira Ioane, another who missed out on the All Blacks squad after being a member of the ‘‘foundation day’’ camps, has also been named in the Ma¯ ori squad.

The team will play Fiji in a two-match series. The first fixture will be played in Suva on July 20, followed by another in Rotorua a week later.

NZ Ma¯ ori coach Clayton McMillan said the squad was a mix of vast experience and new energy.

‘‘I think we have a good balance between the experience of guys who know how to perform at this level, and those who bring an important fresh perspective and energy,’’ he said.

‘‘We also have some returning after an absence and they will bring some important knowledge into our group.

‘‘We have named 26 players today, with one more, likely to be a prop, to be added before we travel next week.

‘‘We’re excited to name four new caps in Nathan Harris, Alex Nankivell, Fletcher Smith and Jordan Hyland.

‘‘With six players [Harris, Tyrel Lomax, Elliot Dixon, Ioane, Bryn Hall and Tahuriorangi] in our mix with All Blacks experience, we can take a very solid squad to Suva and then on to Rotorua.’’

The injury-prone midfielder was rarely sighted for the Blues this year. Knee surgery sidelined him for a large chunk of the season. SBW has been picked for his experience. Trust has played a big part in his inclusion.

There’s no doubt it’s a controversial call.

Luke Jacobson

A bolter. The versatile Chiefs loose forward does a lot of things efficiently. He is a confident ball runner, and can offload. Young, fit and keen, Jacobson is an outside chance to make the World Cup squad. He is uncapped.

Braydon Ennor

The Crusaders finisher can play wing and centre. Super-quick, Ennor doesn’t appear to get too flustered during Super Rugby games and has a long passing game. He is uncapped.

Sevu Reece

A controversial selection. Crusaders wing Reece wasn’t supposed to be playing in New Zealand this year, having signed a deal to play for Irish club Connacht.