Captain Sam Cane says he has points to prove by the All Blacks after nominating six uncapped players on their team for next month’s three test series against Ireland on Monday.
The team of 36 players was notable for the inclusion of former rugby league international Roger Tuibasashek and the omission of veteran scrum-half TJ Perenara.
New Zealand coach Ian Foster was almost loyal to the team that ended in 2021 and suffered major defeats to Ireland and France on the Northern Hemisphere tour.
“This will be the biggest home series since the 2017 British and Irish Lions All Blacks Tour,” Foster said.
“There are great expectations in every aspect and it is very competitive.”
The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France is just 15 months away. Foster is keen to try a new selection against Ireland, which has won three of the last five tests against the All Blacks but has never won in New Zealand.
“We’re incredibly excited. I think the team feels a little new. I think six new boys have actually joined,” said Webb Ellis for the fourth time on record. cup.
“But there is also practicalism, and there are several options to ensure that you have the equipment you need to fight Ireland well.”
Kane hoped that the memory of the 29-20 defeat in Dublin last November would give the training an additional advantage as preparations for the first test in Auckland began on July 2. ..
“Everyone who participated in the game last year, when we reassemble, it resurfaces and there is real hunger and a drive,” Kane said. “It will be a large series.”
-Strength of depth-
Foster has been shining in Australia’s National Rugby League for the past decade, highlighting his ability to defeat games such as Tuivasa-Sheck, a 29-year-old ex-boyfriend’s outstanding center who was named the best player in 2018. Did.
Tuivasa-Sheck was captain of the New Zealand rugby league team before returning to the rugby union last year.
He will be one of the 22 players on the All Black Steam team to take part in the Super Rugby Pacific Final on Saturday between Auckland Blues and the Canterbury Crusaders.
“There are several positions we have brought people in because we want to see them in the environment,” Foster said.
“Roger will certainly fit the mix. He has won his spot, but he is learning a lot to do now.”
Other uncapped players are Back Lester Faigaanuk, Stephen Perofeta, Forau Fakataba, and forwards Aidan Ross and Pita Gas Sowakura.
Born in Tonga, Fakataba and Finlay Christie are included as a backup for scrum-half Aaron Smith, both 78-test veteran Perenara and experienced Brad Weber described by Foster as his toughest choice call. Is omitted in.
“The strength of the All Blacks can often be judged by the quality of the missed men.
“Five Nine (Scrum Half) has played really well, but I feel that Folau and Finley offer something a little different. See how they incorporate it into the All Blacks game. It’s a chance. “
The majority of the 22 players on the team will be offered by Auckland Blues and the Canterbury Crusaders, who will be competing in the Super Rugby Pacific finals on Saturday.
Due to injury, 3 experienced test candidates are not available. Propeller Joe Moody, Flanker Ethan Blackadder, and Center Anton Lienert Brown.
Japan-based pair Damian McKenzie and Rock Patrick Tuipulotu were ineligible because neither was involved in Super Rugby, but they could compete in the Rugby Championship starting in August.
The second test will take place on July 9th in Dunedin and the third test will take place on July 16th in Wellington.
New Zealand National Team: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, George Bauer, Sam Cane (Captain), Finley Christie, Caleb Clark, Dane Coles, Jack Goodhue, Lester Finegaanuk, Forau Fakataba, David Habili, Akira Ioane, Reiko Ioane, Will Jordan, Nepo IRLLaulala, Josh Lord, Richie Mo’unga, Dalton Papalii, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Brodie Retallick, Aidan Ross, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Quinn Tupaea, Ofa Tuungafasi, Sam Whitelock, TupoVaa’i.
