Chiefs pair among 5 new caps in 1st All Blacks squad of the season to contest Rugby Championship
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The Chiefs’ success in reaching next weekend’s Super Rugby Pacific final has helped propel backrower Samipeni Finau and winger Eroni Narawa into their first All Blacks squad, named on Sunday.
The pair are among five new caps in the 36-strong squad named by All Blacks head coach Ian Foster for this year’s shortened Rugby Championship.
Uncapped Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson also has been named as injury cover for winger Mark Telea and Chiefs lock Josh Lord, backrower Luke Jacobson and flyhalf Damian McKenzie all have received recalls to the New Zealand squad.
Foster’s squad announcement comes 82 days before the All Blacks face hosts France in Paris in the first match of this year’s World Cup. By casting a wide net in naming such a large squad he gives himself a chance to assess as many players as possible before deciding on his final World Cup squad.
The other new caps are Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams, Crusaders center Dallas McLeod and Hurricanes scrumhalf Cam Roigard who has forced his way into contention in a tight contest for the scrumhalf position. The 24-year-old McLeod is probably the biggest surprise, pushed forward because of midfield injuries to players such as David Havili.
McKenzie has been the form play-maker of the season so far, guiding the Hamilton-based Chiefs into next weekend’s Super Rugby final against the Crusaders whose flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will leave New Zealand permanently after the World Cup to play in Japan.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year, flyhalf Beauden Barrett has retained his place though he has been out of form this season for the Auckland-based Blues.
“Every All Blacks squad has some great stories to it and also is tough on some people who miss out,” Foster said. “We’re incredibly excited with this group. There’s a nice blend of existing players but also some new players who we felt have really earned their opportunity to be named today.
“It’s a team which we want to take into this Rugby Championship with a lot of confidence. We think it’s vital in the Championship for this group to really grow its game, to get its game ready so when we hit France at the World Cup we’re excited, confident and ready.”
New Zealand faces a testing program in the shortened Rugby Championship, playing Argentina in Buenos Aires on July 9, South Africa in Auckland on July 15 and Australia in Melbourne on July 29.
The squad will be pared down after the Championship to 33 for the World Cup.
The 23-year-old Narawa has been a powerful attacking force for the Chiefs this year and he has earned a call-up alongside wingers Mark Telea, Caleb Clarke and Leicester Fainga’anuku.
Finau came into his own along with Jacobson as the Chiefs fought their way into the Super Rugby playoffs with only one loss in the regular season.
McLeod has been the discovery of the season for the injury-hit Crusaders.
“We see Dallas primarily as a midfielder, probably 12,” Foster said. “It’s a chance to have a look at him there.
“He brings versatility, has played on the wing. He’s fast and strong, courageous under the high ball.”
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New Zealand squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho.
Props: Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax.
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Samuel Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i.
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali’i, Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (captain), Samipeni Finau, Shannon Frizell.
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard.
Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga.
Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Braydon Ennor, Dallas McLeod.
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Mark Telea, Will Jordan.
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