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The All Blacks have named their squad for their three-test series against France next month.
The 33-man squad includes three new faces – Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Shannon Frizell and Jordan Taufua – who have earned their places on the back of some impressive Super Rugby performances for the Chiefs, Highlanders and Crusaders respectively.
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The Crusaders trio of Jack Goodhue, Richie Mo’unga and Tim Perry previously represented the All Blacks during last season’s end of year tour, in what was an uncapped fixture.
Their Crusaders teammate Sam Whitelock will lead the side in the absence of regular captain Kieran Read. Highlanders fullback Ben Smith and Chiefs flanker Sam Cane have been named vice-captains.
The Crusaders are the best represented, with a total of ten players making the squad.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen congratulated Whitelock on his appointment as captain for the Series.
“He’s one half of the best locking combination in the world and one of the best players on and off the park. He has a cool head under pressure and the support of the players and management.
“In saying that, we’re blessed with a number of other leaders in our group and the expectations are that they’ll continue to lead both on and off the park in their actions, and in doing so make Sam’s job that little bit easier.”
There will be two other players joining the squad, with Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman providing paternity cover for expectant father Nathan Harris, and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane joining the side with selectors wanting to continue his development at the international level.
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Notable players to miss out include Hurricane Ben Lam. Many tipped Lam for selection following his scintillating Super Rugby form. The big winger is on pace to shatter the Super Rugby single season try-scoring record, crossing the chalk 14 times in his 11 appearances this season. Crusaders flanker Matt Todd will also be viewed as unlucky to miss selection.
Hansen said: “Firstly, on behalf of the selectors, All Blacks management and New Zealand Rugby, I’d like to congratulate all those players selected for the Steinlager Series, especially the three new All Blacks. It’s always a very special time being selected for the All Blacks for the first time and the players and their families can be justifiably proud of all the hard work they have done to reach this point.
“It was a really tough squad to select, more so because there are some very talented players who have missed out, but I’m sure they will get their opportunity in the black jersey in the near future.”
The series kicks off at Eden Park on June 9.
ALL BLACKS SQUAD
Props: Joe Moody (Crusaders), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Tim Perry (Crusaders)
Hookers: Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Nathan Harris (Chiefs)
Locks: Sam Whitelock (C) (Crusaders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Scott Barrett (Crusaders)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (VC) (Chiefs), Liam Squire (Highlanders), Jordan Taufua (Crusaders), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders), Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith (Highlanders), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Chiefs)
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders)
Midfielders: Sonny Bill Williams (Blues), Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders)
Outside backs: Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Ben Smith (VC) (Highlanders), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes)
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