Tighthead prop Karl Tu’inukuafe is the biggest casualty as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen cut his squad from 39 to 34 for their Tests against the Wallabies.
Tu’inukuafe was one of five players cut from the squad for the Tests in Auckland and Perth, which will have a significant impact on his chances of making it into the World Cup squad.
After a stellar 2018, the 26-year-old has struggled for form with the Blues this year and has not appeared in either of the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship Tests against the Springboks or Argentina.
Other forwards who have been cut are flanks Shannon Frizell and Dalton Papali’i, young hooker Asafo Aumua as well as the injured Brodie Retallick.
Retallick has been ruled out of the Tests after dislocating his shoulder against the Springboks last weekend. His place in the squad is taken by Scott Barrett, who has missed the last two matches with a thumb injury.
Uncapped flyhalf Josh Ioane has also been left out of the squad, but he will still travel to Perth to continue his development under Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett.
Sonny Bill Williams has kept his place, but will miss the Perth Test as he will play for Counties Manukau in their Mitre 10 Cup opener.
All Blacks squad to face the Wallabies:
Backs
Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber.
Forwards
Kieran Read (c), Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Luke Jacobson, Vaea Fifita, Jackson Hemopo, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman.
Photo: Photosport
