All Black northern tour squad announced
The All Blacks squad for the northern tour three tests against Scotland, Wales and England has been named with no major surprises.
Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u and Chiefs first five-eighth Josh Jacomb are the only uncapped players. Ma’u, Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah and Crusaders outside back Chay Fihaki have been selected in an All Blacks squad for the first time after previously serving as injury cover.
LATEST HEADLINES:
A number of players are returning from injury or are back in the squad including hooker George Bell, Ma'u, and loose forwards Leicester Fainga'anuku and Christian Lio-Willie also join the squad.
Returning from injury are Jordie Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Asafo Aumua and Fehi Fineanganofo.
The game schedule starts against Scotland on November 8, Wales on November 15 and England on November 22, before the Nations Championship finals in London across the weekend of 28 – 30 November.
All Blacks 36-man squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, George Bell
Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell,Pasilio Tosi, Saula Ma’u*.
Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Jamie Hannah, Tupou Vaa’i.
Loose Forwards: Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder,Christian Lio-Willie, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima.
First Five-Eighths: Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb*.
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Outside Backs: Rieko Ioane, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.
Unavailable: Samisoni Taukei’aho (calf); Shannon Frizell (knee); Tyrel Lomax (neck); Leroy Carter (ankle); Ruben Love (ankle); Ardie Savea (shoulder); Luke Jacobson (elbow); Caleb Clarke (shoulder); Ollie Norris (knee). Simon Parker (personal reasons).
