Fijian duo Bower and Tavatavanawai named in All Blacks Bledisloe Cup squad

Fijian duo Bower and Tavatavanawai named in All Blacks Bledisloe Cup squad
Fiji's George Bower and Timoci Tavatavanawai have been named in the All Blacks squad for the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against Australia, with Codie Taylor set to captain New Zealand.

Bower, the experienced Crusaders prop, and Highlanders midfielder Tavatavanawai are among a 34-man squad selected for the trans-Tasman rivalry, providing a strong Fiji connection in the New Zealand camp.

Both players have previously been recognised for their links to Fiji, with Bower and Tavatavanawai

Tavatavanawai brings a powerful ball-carrying presence to the midfield, while Bower offers considerable experience in the front row.

The pair will now have the opportunity to feature in one of international rugby's most fiercely contested rivalries.

Taylor has been confirmed as captain for the Bledisloe Cup campaign.

The veteran hooker will lead the All Blacks into the opening Test at Eden Park on 10 October before the series moves to Sydney for the second Test on 17 October. 

The squad also includes a mixture of established All Blacks and emerging talent.

Richie Mo'unga returns at first five-eighth, while Scott Barrett is back from injury and Shannon Frizell returns to the squad after his spell in Japan.

Hookers Codie Taylor (capt), Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho will form the front row with props, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell and Pasilio Tosi.

At locks, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa'i combine with loose forwards, Simon Parker, Shannon Frizell, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
The half-backs, Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston wil combine with first five-eighths, Richie Mo'unga and Josh Jacomb
The midfielders, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane will pair up wit outside backs, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie. 

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