Malakai Fekitoa
Patrick Tuipulotu
The All Blacks have called up two new players and recalled two World Cup-winners to the squad to face England.
Highlanders midfielder Malakai Fekitoa and Blues lock Patrick Tuipulotu are the two uncapped players, whilst loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Victor Vito return after extended absences.
The backs – forwards split sees 17 forwards selected (two hookers, five props, four locks and six loose forwards) and 14 backs (three halfbacks, three first five–eighths, four midfielders and four outside backs) and the squad has a combined total of 1,125 Test caps.
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The squad is made up of five Blues players, five Chiefs, eight Hurricanes, nine Crusaders and three Highlanders while ten of New Zealand’s provinces are represented, with eight Canterbury players, seven from Wellington, five from Auckland, two each from Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay, with one player each for North Harbour, Taranaki and Otago.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said the selectors had been happy with the form of players across all of the New Zealand Super Rugby teams.
“We would like to congratulate all the players selected for the first All Blacks squad of the year, particularly Patrick and Malakai who have been named for the first time. It’s an exciting time for them and their families and they can be rightly proud of their selection. They have worked hard for it. We would also like to congratulate Jerome and Victor, who are returning after an absence from the group.”
“The All Blacks selectors feel it’s also important to acknowledge those players who have missed out. As always, there are more quality players available than we are able to select. Our message to them is to keep working hard, because in this game, the opportunities will always come.”
“In selecting our squad, once again we have tried to balance experience and youth with form in Super Rugby and proven performances in the All Black jersey.”
Hansen said that England will provide a serious test for the best team in the world as they start building towards defending their World Cup crown next year.
“England have been the most improved side in world rugby in the last two years. Their coach Stuart Lancaster has built depth in his side and a strong culture, so they will be a formidable opponent and one we are very excited about playing.”
“The series gives both teams a great opportunity to put a stake in the ground, not only this year, but also for World Cup 2015. This will add to the pressure on both sides in the upcoming series.”
“Those who think England will be fielding a weak side in the first Test are completely underestimating the quality of depth in the England squad. Make no mistake, England have a very strong desire and belief that they can win this Series. Having said that, so do the All Blacks. We acknowledge that this is going to be a huge challenge but look forward to taking it head on.”
Hansen also said that this series was important for the All Blacks to show improvements in their game and raise the quality of their performance to higher levels in all areas.
Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Blues duo Francis Saili (ankle) and Charles Piutau (knee) and Crusaders lock Luke Romano (ankle), while All Blacks flyhalf Daniel Carter, who is on extended leave, was also unavailable.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks will continue with their hooker “apprentice programme” during the series, with Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris assembling with the squad for the Auckland and Hamilton Test weeks and Highlanders rake Liam Coltman in for Dunedin week.
The All Blacks and England have a rivalry going back more than 100 years. The two sides have played 36 times since 1905 with 28 wins to the All Blacks, seven losses and one draw. The teams last played in London on last year’s European Tour with the All Blacks winning 30-22 on that occasion.
All Black squad: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Tawera Kerr–Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.
In additional All Blacks news, it appears that flanker, Same Cane is injured and faces a race against time to be fit for the All Blacks’ first Test against England at the weekend as the squad gathered on Monday.
A team spokesperson said Crusaders’ loose forward Matt Todd had been called in as cover for Cane who suffered a knee strain during the Chiefs 17-33 loss to the Waratahs on Saturday.
A decision on whether Cane will be available, most likely as replacement cover for captain Richie McCaw, will be made later in the week.
Crusaders prop Joe Moody is also training with the All Blacks as loosehead Tony Woodcock recovers from a hip knock.
Moody is on the comeback trail after breaking a leg before the All Blacks northern tour last year while Todd has missed the past month of Super 15 rugby because of a calf injury.
The All Blacks had a light training run on Monday with veteran centre Conrad Smith saying it could be some days before they were in shape for a Test.
“These first couple of days you’ve got to wait till everyone gets on that same level, and hopefully by Thursday we’ll all be ready to play a test match physically, and go together towards Saturday night,” he said.