Shannon Frizell, Jordan Taufua and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi have been included in the All Blacks’ 33-man squad for the three-Test series against France in June.
Tim Perry, Richie Mo’unga and Jack Goodhue, who went on last November’s tour but are yet to make their Test debuts, are also in the squad.
Owen Franks and Nehe Milner-Skudder are back with the All Blacks having missed the second half of the 2017 Test season through injury.
Sam Whitelock will captain the team in the absence of Kieran Read, while Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Patrick Tuipulotu and Israel Dagg were also not considered due to injury.
‘He’s one half of the best locking combination in the world and one of the best players on and off the park,’ said coach Steve Hansen about Whitelock’s appointment. ‘He has a cool head under pressure and the support of the players and management.
‘In saying that, we’re blessed with a number of other leaders in our group and the expectations are that they’ll continue to lead both on and off the park in their actions, and in doing so make Sam’s job that little bit easier.’
All Blacks squad:
Hookers: Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor
Props: Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tuungafasi
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock (c)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua, Luke Whitelock
Scrumhalves: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga
Centres: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams
Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith
Photo: @AllBlacks/Twitter
