Bower, Reece and Sotutu named in All Blacks squad for 2021 Steinlager Series

Three players with links to Fiji have been named in the All Blacks 36 member squad that will face Tonga and Fiji next month.

They are Crusaders prop George Bower, Crusaders wing Sevu Reece, and Blues number 8 Hoskins Sotutu.

Head Coach Ian Foster has given the captaincy role to veteran lock Sam Whitelock while former captain Sam Cane has been sidelined due to a chest injury.

Other players named in the squad include Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie.

The All Blacks first test match will be against Tonga at 7.05pm on July 3rd.

There are two test matches against the Flying Fijians.

The All Blacks face Fiji at 7.05pm on July 10th and 7.05pm on July 17th.

All Blacks squad:

Forwards

Props: Nepo Laulala, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, George Bower, Angus Ta’avao, Ethan De Groot Hookers: Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Asafo Aumua Locks: Sam Whitelock (captain), Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupo Vaa'i Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papalii, Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson

Backs

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Finlay Christie First-fives: Richie Mo'unga, Beauden Barrett Midfielders: Rieko Ioane, David Havili, Braydon Ennor, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, George Bridge