The All Blacks have named their 36 member squad for the Rugby Championship with Fijian born and former Queen Victoria School students Timoci Tavatavanawai, Sevu Reece and Emoni Narawa making the cut.
Scott Barrett will lead the side and he will be assisted by vice captains Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said these players have all been on the selectors’ radar and deserve the opportunity to push for the black jersey.
Robertson says while they are clearly disappointed for their men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.
He says Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi are returning from their injuries, as well as welcoming Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie and Josh Lord back into the group.
Named in the forwards are Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho Brodie McAlister, Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Scott Barrett (Captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Fabian Holland, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (Vice-Captain), Du’Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson. In the backs are Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Noah Hotham, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett (Vice-Captain), Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Ruben Love.
The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship George Bower for Tamaiti Williams, Tevita Mafileo for Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord for Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham Kyle Preston, Leroy Carter for Caleb Clarke.
Tyrel Lomax, Luke Jacobson, Cam Roigard, Noah Hotham and Caleb Clarke will not travel to Argentina while they recover from injury.
The All Blacks squad will travel to Argentina on 8 August to begin preparations for the first Test against Argentina on 16 August in Córdoba.
[Source: allblacks]
