All Black selectors spread the net

Wellington – All Blacks selectors yesterday named four new players in the squad for upcoming Tests against Tonga and Fiji as they look to experiment and regain the world No 1 ranking.

The 36-man squad included Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot, Crusaders loose forward Ethan Blackadder, Blues halfback Finlay Christie and Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea.

Coach Ian Foster also recalled Luke Jacobson and Angus Ta’avao to the forward pack, along with centres David Havili and Braydon Ennor, while towering lock Brodie Retallick returns from a stint in Japan.

Lock Sam Whitelock was named captain in the absence of regular skipper Sam Cane, who is recovering from an operation.

Also out injured are forwards Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Joe Moody, centre Jack Goodhue and halfback Folau Fakatava.

Wing sensation Caleb Clarke has opted out of the Tests to chase Olympic glory with New Zealand’s sevens team in Tokyo.

The All Blacks hope to play a 15-Test schedule this year, including hosting Tonga and Fiji this month, the Rugby Championship, and a northern hemisphere tour. Foster said the busy schedule was a chance to experiment after last year’s fixture list was cut back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ve actually got a year that we can plan a programme of development,” he said.

“Because there was a limited number of Tests last year, we didn’t try to expand our game too much but this year we need to grow that.”

Foster said the goals included becoming more aggressive in defence, more skilful in attack, while a World Cup triumph is the ultimate aim,