New Zealand have confirmed a 32-man squad for the third Bledisloe Cup match against Australia, as well as their Spring Tour.
The All Blacks have named one uncapped player in their 32-man squad, with Dalton Papalii included. After a strong Super Rugby season, he comes into the squad for with the injured Sam Cane and Shannon Frizell along with Jordan Taufua missing out.
The big shock for the All Blacks is Nehe Milner-Skudder, who has only made selection in the wider 19-man squad for a Test against Japan. Also in that line-up is Ngani Laumape.
Dane Coles is also back after missing a majority of 2018 through injury, while Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick and loose forward Liam Squire have also all made their way back into the squad.
Matt Todd has also been selected, given an exemption by the New Zealand Rugby Board after playing for the Wild Knights in Japan recently. He is due to return to the Crusaders in the next Super Rugby season.
The All Blacks first assignment on the road is the third Bledisloe match against Australia. While they have already won the series, they will be out to complete the clean sweep of the Wallabies in Tokyo, before they play Japan and then head to Europe.
Coach Steve Hansen said the squad was looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“This is a hugely exciting Northern Tour we’re about to embark on and one which we’re all looking forward to,” said Hansen.
“We thank the NZR Board and Wild Knights for supporting the selection of Matt. It’s much appreciated.
“We congratulate Dalton on being named in the 32-man squad for the Tour. He has played outstanding rugby this year and deserves his opportunity.
“We also congratulate those new All Blacks named in the wider squad for the Japan Test. All these players and their families can be proud of the hard work, commitment and dedication that has led to this point.”
Forwards
Scott Barrett, Dane Coles, Vaea Fifita, Owen Franks, Nathan Harris, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Dalton Papalii, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Samuel Whitelock
Backs
Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Waisake Naholo, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Sonny Bill Williams
As mentioned above, the All Blacks have also named a wider 19-man squad will play in the Test against Japan before the rest of the side departs for Europe and the remainder of their Spring Tour.
Hansen said this will allow the All Blacks to send the majority of their 32-man squad to Europe early to prepare for the remaining matches.
Forwards
Asafo Aumua, Liam Coltman, Gareth Evans, Jackson Hemopo, Dillon Hunt, Tyrel Lomax, Reuben O’Neill, Tim Perry, Luke Romano, Angus Ta’avao, Luke Whitelock
Backs
George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Mitchell Drummond, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder
winston
Roar Rookie
Of coarse he's not the finished product but he's still a better player than a lot of those being selected ahead of him. Why do players life Frizell and Whitelock get so many chances in black and this guy gets nothing.
mad mick
Guest
Danny, Ask Bryan Habana or James O'Connor what they think of him.
Danny
Roar Rookie
Ranger is going to play for the Sunwolves next year, so doubt he would get picked even if he is good enough, which I don't really think he is. Really like him as Mitre 10 player but not sure he good enough to show out any higher.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
OB, it would be easier to the reader if you would use the name of the players rather than the initials. SBW is OK, but most of us don't know 3P,IMO, LR, BR. We can just work out where you're going with Scott B and Patrick T.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Agree on Renee, but perhaps after next years Super Rugby season, Shag just might consider him, for the RWC squad. The games he's played, since his return, have been sound, & he's playing the game, with that cheeky smile still on his face. Good player.
Old Bugger
Guest
Yep, I think if 3P can beef up a bit with some weight, then he certainly has some height to throw around the paddock. IMO, LR has done his dash and with the likes of both Scott B and Patrick T in the main squad, what's needed to compensate their presence is someone who is tall and hugemongous, like BR. 3P could fit that presence but I think he may need to bulk up.
Dave
Guest
That's why you aren't the coach I guess
mad mick
Guest
Chris I'm not seeing the work rate from SBW on the field. In the gym maybe but I'm not seeing it in games
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Mad. Great summary on Ranger! Might be listening to CSN&Y. Have to disagree with your thoughts on SBW. The reason he keeps getting selected is his work ethic / rate. Good example to the younger players apparently
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Hard to compare as we haven't seen Jordie in the M10 cup, however the form fullback there has been Will Jordan. A ready made replacement for Ben Smith right there.
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
LOL. Classic
ChrisG
Roar Rookie
Talking about a lock beast, in my view the best performing lock in the M10 cup has been Luke Romano, who has been selected in the second 19, closely followed by Pari Pari Parkinson from Tasman. He has been selected in the Maori for their Americas tour. I think they have the bases covered
mad mick
Guest
Akira has a problem getting involved in the niggle. Reiko is starting to use the lip too much as well. Someone in the AB set up needs to get this straightened out very soon because those boys have too much talent to worry about the Niggle. Akira should immediately book himself in to the Ma Nonu school of how to play 12. he would be a sensation. Compare to draft horse SBW. Why is SBW in this team he has a deplorable work rate poor old Bauden Barrtett has to do all his work for him. He has had it a long time ago. Is the Adidas sponsorship that strong they can insist in his contract he is selected? Bring Back Ranger. There is a real work horse. Turnovers, offloads devastating tackles hes got the lot.. Needs a hair cut.
Ben
Guest
Youre right Josh Ioane isnt related to Akira and Reiko Ioane. But by coincidence both their fathers are Samoan and both their mothers are Maori. Akira and Reikos dad Eddy is in law enforcement as a Corrections Dept officer and Joshs dad Steve is in law enforcement as a cop.
The General
Guest
WOW. What a team They will smash Chuckles Checkas Wallatahs then move on the dominate the NH.
Ben
Guest
DP is primarily a 6. Played his secondary school rugby and rep rugby as a 6. Was converted to 7 at Super and now Mitre 10. As Hansen says, hes not a natural 7 but is developing nicely.
Julz
Guest
I was about to comment about this. Very surprised that Akira is not there. He's one of the best running forward in the Mitre 10 cup. His run off the scrum is just darn good. He always beat the first tackler, then offloads on the second tackle. He's the best replacement for Read at no.8 when he's retired. I'll still think he will be going to the World Cup as he can cover 8 and 6. If he keeps getting rejected, then he should go and play for Samoa, straight up.
Jacko
Guest
You would have to wonder why SARU would turn down that sort of an opportunity.....In future i can see the 3rd Bledisloe played in London as a Money earner as it has been sold to a few places now........I guess the AIG sponsorship ties them to USA a bit but the commercial realities mean the games are up for sale
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hi T/man, With the Maori team being announced I see Akira seems to have had a reprieve, as he's named in it, along with NMS & a few other very promising players. Cheers.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hi RT, On Akira, I see he's been selected in the Maori AB's to tour the US, Brazil & Argentina, I think it is. It's a very strong Maori team, with the likes of a young Josh Iaone ( no relation , so it seems, to Akira) coming on board as a back up, to Otere Black. Great to see, many of these promising fringe players, & young players, being recognised.