Rugby

Four uncapped players in All Blacks squad

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Matt Duffie
  • Post published:October 23, 2017

Four new caps have been included in the All Blacks’ 37-man squad for their end-of-year tour.

They are hooker Asafo Aumua, prop Tim Perry and outside backs Matt Duffie and Jack Goodhue.

‘We want to play attractive rugby that we can be proud of and, of course, winning is part of that. But just as importantly, we will be re-establishing the processes that allow us to do this,’ said All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

‘Adding the four new players to our squad will again allow us to expose more young talent to the highest level, where, history tells us, players grow and get better.

‘So this tour will complete a season of building depth and experience, which in the long run will only benefit the team.’

Players not considered due to either injury or family reasons include Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick, Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Ben Smith.

The All Blacks will play matches against the Barbarians (4 November), France (11th), a French XV (14th), Scotland (18th) and Wales (25th).

All Blacks squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Hurricanes), Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Nathan Harris (Chiefs), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders), Kane Hames (Chiefs), Nepo Laulala (Chiefs), Tim Perry (Crusaders), Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Scott Barrett (Crusaders), Luke Romano (Crusaders), Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues), Samuel Whitelock (Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Vaea Fifita (Hurricanes), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Kieran Read (captain, Crusaders), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Liam Squire (Highlanders), Matt Todd (Crusaders).

Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Ngani Laumape (Hurricanes), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Sonny Bill Williams (Blues), David Havili (Crusaders), Matt Duffie (Blues), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), Seta Tamanivalu (Crusaders).

Photo: Renee McKay/Getty Images