The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

All Blacks name squad to face Wales, six uncapped players included

The All Blacks take on France in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals. (AAP Image/SNPA, David Rowland
29th May, 2016
144
4500 Reads

There are six new faces in the All Blacks squad named this morning for New Zealand’s upcoming June series against Wales.

Elliot Dixon, Liam Squire, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ardie Savea, Damian McKenzie and Seta Tamanivalu are the uncapped newcomers named in the 32-man squad.

All Blacks squad to play Wales

Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris.
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock.
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon.
Halfbacks: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith.
Five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga.
Centres: Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Charlie Ngatai, Seta Tamanivalu.
Wingers/fullbacks: Israel Dagg, Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.

There may potentially be a seventh in Tom Franklin who has been named as a possible injury replacement for Sam Whitelock as he recovers from a hamstring.

TJ Perenara is the other potential replacement player, named to cover for the broken hand of Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

Despite the new faces, coach Steve Hansen says the opposition shouldn’t underestimate the All Blacks.

“We know that there’s been a lot of interest around the selection of this first All Blacks squad of 2016, after what was a great season for us last year, and with a large group of experienced players moving on.

“Many people, including our opponents, may be thinking we’re vulnerable and are rebuilding. However, we don’t have that mindset. We, as selectors, are very confident that we have both the talent and the experience to continue enhancing the legacy of the All Blacks,” said Hansen.

Advertisement

“It’s often said that when the tall trees that cast the largest shadows are cut down, the remaining smaller trees grow more rapidly. We believe we’ll see players stand tall and take their game to a higher standard this season.

“This group of players, I can assure you, is very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead for them. They know it’s their time, their moment, and they can’t wait to make their mark in the jersey.”

Ardie Savea’s addition to the squad sees him join brother Julian for the first time. Regarding the opportunity to play as brothers for the All Blacks, Savea said: “It’s awesome; it doesn’t come around often.”

“It’s good to be here with him. I’m sick and tired of seeing his face around in Wellington,” he joked.

Kieran Read will captain the side after the retirement of Richie McCaw, with Ben Smith named as the side’s vice-captain.

close