Robertson picks 5 possible rookies. TJ Perenara and Sevu Reece also return, while Sotutu is out
The All Blacks squad: a new captain and 4 notable absentees for England and Fiji (ph. Sebastiano Pessina)
The All Blacks coach, Scott Robertson, has released his first official squad list for the highly anticipated double match against England: in fact, 2 test matches are scheduled between the English and New Zealand, on 6 July at the Forsyth Barr in Dunedin and July 13th at Eden Park, already sold out. The New Zealanders’ Summer Series (official name “Seinlager Ultra Low Carb Series”) will then end on July 20th against Fiji.
The new captain of the All Blacks
Robertson has also chosen the new captain of the All Blacks: it will be Scott Barrett, 30 years old, 69 caps with New Zealand and an infinite number of matches and titles won with the Crusaders.
Sam Cane will however remain in the group until the end of 2024 to complete the transition, and is not present in the squad due to injury. Also among those unavailable due to injury are Will Jordan, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Cam Roigard, with the latter who could have played his cards for a starting shirt after the departure of Aaron Smith.
Read also: Summer Series: France’s squad for the South American tour
There are 32 players called up in total. Also present are 5 possible debutants: Crusaders hooker George Bell, Hurricanes prop Pasilio Tosi, Chiefs third row Wallace Sititi and scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, also from Chiefs. And finally Billy Proctor, of the Hurricanes. TJ Perenara and Sevu Reece, among the most experienced, meet again. However, Sotutu is not present, while Robertson has also called 4 guests as possible reserves: Sam Darry, second row of the Blues; Ruben Love, Hurricanes attacking midfielder; Crusaders prop George Bower and Crusaders center David Havili.
All Blacks: those called up for the matches against England and Fiji
Hookers
Asafo Aumua
Codie Taylor
George Bell*
Pylons
Ethan De Groot
Tyrel Lomax
Fletcher Newell
Pasilio Tosi*
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Tamaiti Williams
Second lines
Scott Barrett (Captain)
Tupou Vaa’i
Patrick Tuipulotu
Third lines
Ethan Blackadder
Samipeni Finau
Luke Jacobson
Dalton Papali’i
Ardie Savea (Vice Captain)
Wallace Sititi*
Scrum halfbacks
Finlay Christie
TJ Perenara
Cortez Ratima*
Flying midfielders
Beauden Barrett
Damian McKenzie
Centers
Jordie Barrett
Rieko Ioane
Anton Lienert-Brown
Billy Proctor*
Wingers/fullbacks
Caleb Clarke
Emoni Narawa
Stephen Perofeta
Sevu Reece
Mark Tele’a
onrugby.it © all rights reserved
Dear Readers,
OnRugby has been offering you free, timely, daily information on the world of the oval ball for over 10 years. Our work has a cost that is repaid by advertising, especially personalized advertising.
When you are offered information on the release of cookies or similar technologies, we ask you to support us by giving your consent.
