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.
“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.
canadiankiwi
Guest
Lions game???
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well the Blues backs are now represented in the ABs with Moala joining the squad in Ngatais injury absence. A good opportunity and he really needs to make the most of whatever this slim lifeline gives him. Great careers can be launched of the back of someone else's misfortune.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
That is disappointing Jerry.
Jerry
Guest
Well, he's not gonna lure Banks cause he's already taken the Euro.....
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
I don't think he has been lazy at all this year CK. To me this year it seems he has done the 1%'s alot better, and seems to have matured as a player.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Hi CUW I like Pisi and Volovola as players, but to be honest I would rather have Marty Mckenzie, Otere Black or Marty Banks leading us around. Surely Tana can lure one of those guys to a full-time position. And I think West is a good player he just hasn't developed as much as I hoped he would by now. And he isn't the 1st/5 we need going forward.
lassitude
Guest
I think the Squire selection is excellent and really rapt for Elliot Dixon (I haven't caught up with his folks yet but I bet they put away a bit of the celebration juice over the weekend). However for all that i rate Luatua and think he's a better 6/8/lock option off the bench (particularly the lock part) than either of the other 2. I hope he takes this as a challenge.
lassitude
Guest
I think it was the 2006 year - I remember Ian Jones and Allan Pollock talking about it. He and Reuben Thorne had the best tackle completion stats of all the NZ players through the year and right up there in total tackles. Nonu and whoever was outside (Smith by 2006) always looked no better than average agin Mauger and Laulala. Mauger, also, had a good fend. Not quite Walter Little standard but very very good - he would often propel himself through a double tackle with it. More than that he was the brains of both the Cru's backline and the AB's backline. IMO Carter only really developed his decision making when Mauger left.
lassitude
Guest
Actually we don't know whether he can play FH at test level or even at Super level - yet. And he'd be out of his depth at wing. At this stage it's FB only and he's there to learn.
lassitude
Guest
didn't look that lazy on saturday night.
Squirrel
Guest
How was frightened Cruden when Skelton ran at him and set up a try. What a cat
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Dixon & Squire offer more physicality which is what they AB's are looking for. Hopefully Luatua hangs around because he is a bloody good next option!
Shane D
Roar Rookie
I think this is one of the reasons Hansen is so keen to find that lock / 6 player for the bench. Find that you can have an out & out 2nd 7 on the bench with less concern about having to cover an extra position. Savea coming on after 60 minutes to lift the tempo against tiring defences either in partnership with Cane or as his replacement is a scary proposition.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Maybe it was me showing my bias for Savea RT but I see potential for Cane to be a great number 6.
cuw
Guest
Pulu will be nothing playing with West. once he realizes West has a scrambled brain , he will try to do things on his own. i'm afraid that will be his downfall. that is why i thought Pisi would be an ideal fit ; he has shown great leadership in a rubbish team. when he is not on the field the wolves fall apart. a lesse fit would be Volovola, simply becoz he has test experience.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Otere Black or Marty Mackenzie would be better choices for me. IMO Volovola isn't the man you want guiding your team around, from what i have seen of him he is best position is Fullback or Second five.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Plus Pulu is at the mighty blues next year. So that puts his stock up in my mind if only we can get a quality 10 next year.
cuw
Guest
i dont know if all were " TRUE BLUE" but when the likes of Mealamu Woodcock Ali Williams Kaino Luatua Ranger Mils were in the mix , Blues did have a strong team on paper :D
Gilbert
Guest
what blues need is a flyhalf - Exactly!
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Cruden will get the nod without a doubt but if he doesn't deliver Sopoaga will leapfrog Barrett to a starting spot imo.