Foster names four newcomers
Blues halfback Finlay Christie, Chiefs midfielder Quinn Tupaea, Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder and Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot are the new names in the first All Blacks squad of the year.
The quartet were unveiled as part of Ian Foster’s squad last night as the All Blacks prepare to play Tonga and Fiji (twice) next month.
Lock Brodie Retallick has been recalled after two seasons in Japan, but Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara must wait before he returns to the squad.
As expected, Sam Whitelock will captain the side in the absence of the injured Sam Cane.
‘‘Sam Whitelock is the right man for the job,’’ Foster said.
‘‘He’s hugely experienced, not just as a player but also as a leader, and he has great connections with Sam Cane and the leaders in the team as well.
‘‘Our current leadership group is working hard together and we know Sam will lead the team superbly in the Steinlager Series.’’
The newcomers have been rewarded for a mixture of promise and strong Super Rugby campaigns.
Christie was outstanding in the Blues’ Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final win against the Highlanders on Saturday, while Blackadder was arguably the form player for the Crusaders this year.
Five midfielders have been selected as Anton Lienert-Brown deals with an elbow issue that is expected to keep him out of the first two tests, at least.
Tupaea was added because the All Blacks see him as a specialist No 12, Foster said, while Ngani Laumape is heading overseas to take up a deal in France.
De Groot has had a breakout year at the Highlanders, and at 126kg the young loosehead is built for test rugby.
Blues No 1 Alex Hodgman has missed out despite the franchise’s success in Super Rugby TransTasman, while the Chiefs’ Aidan Ross can also count himself unlucky.
Exciting young wings Jona Nareki, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Salesi Rayasi all missed out, with George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan and possibly Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett the wing options.