All Blacks coach Ian Foster has confirmed five debutants in his 36-player squad for the Rugby Championship.
Hurricanes scrumhalf Cam Roigard, Crusaders duo Dallas McLeod and Tamaiti Williams along with Chiefs pair Emoni Narawa and Samipeni Finau are the new faces as they build for September's Rugby World Cup.
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“This is very special day for them and their families who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements,” Foster said in a statement.
“We have a new group of exciting players who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey.”
Chiefs breakout star Shaun Stevenson has also been included as injury cover for Blue superstar Mark Telea, who will miss the start of the Rugby Championship with injury.
The All Blacks will begin their preparations with a training camp at Mount Maunganui from June 21-23 for the non Super Rugby Pacific finalists, with 19 players from the Chiefs and Crusaders included in the squad.
The full squad will assemble in Auckland on June 27, before travelling to Mendoza for the opening Test of the year against Argentina on Saturday July 8th.
“We are very excited about the group we have selected,” Foster believes.
“The Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship is a vital piece in our preparation for the World Cup later in the year. It’s a key opportunity to get our game ready so we can enter the global tournament with confidence.”
Foster also confirmed backrower Sam Cane will lead the side after missing the majority of their Spring Tour with injury.
“Sam has proven himself as a great leader of our team despite having had a disrupted couple of seasons leading into this one,” Foster added .
“We have total belief that he is the right man to lead us.”
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho
Props: Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (captain), Samipeni Finau, Shannon Frizell
Scrumhalves: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard
Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mark Telea, Will Jordan.
