You almost expect All Blacks coach Scott Robertson to arrive with a long broom hoisted over his shoulder when the first squad of his tenure is revealed in Christchurch this evening.
stuff.co.nz says a replacement for former captain Sam Cane, who has made it clear he's no longer a candidate to retain that role after announcing he has signed a long-term contact to play in Japan after this season, has to be found.
Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Richie Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Dane Coles, Shannon Frizell, Nepo Laulala and Leicester Fainga'anuku, all members of the All Blacks squad that travelled to the World Cup in France last year are no longer available, or eligible, for selection.
Will Jordan, who couldn't play for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific because he’s been recovering from a shoulder operation, is off-limits for the two tests against England in New Zealand, and the test against Fiji in the United States.
The announcement will be made at 5.45pm today.
Robertson will name 32 players.
Ardie Savea and Scott Barrett are the front runners for All Blacks captain.
Lock Barrett captained the Crusaders when Robertson was coach. No 8 Savea captained the All Blacks eight times under Ian Foster.
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