Halfback TJ Perenara has been recalled to the All Blacks squad for next month’s Bledisloe Cup Tests against the Wallabies and the Rugby Championship.
The 29-year-old, who played in Japan earlier this year and was contemplating a code switch to join the Sydney Roosters in the NRL, was among the 36-man squad named by New Zealand coach Ian Foster on Monday.
A veteran of 69 Tests, Perenara was seriously considering joining the Roosters for the rest of the 2021 NRL season before deciding instead to re-sign with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2023.
Lock Sam Whitelock was listed as captain, with regular skipper Sam Cane omitted as he recovers from a long-term pectoral muscle injury.
The All Blacks play Australia at Eden Park on August 7 before starting the Rugby Championship against the Wallabies in Perth two weeks later.
The All Blacks beat Fiji 60-13 in Hamilton on Saturday to sweep their two-Test series against the Pacific islanders.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Whitelock (capt), Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece.
© AAP
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