All Blacks Squad Named For Rugby Championship In South Africa

The widespread expectation of changes to the All Blacks after last weeks series loss to Ireland has not happened with the naming of the touring squad to South Africa for the two Rugby Championship matches.

Coach Ian Foster has named a largely unchanged squad, with Sam Cane retained as captain. He has said there are some changes coming from within the side, but would only confirm that Joe Schmidt was an independent selector, and that he would not be travelling to South Africa. The only new players returning into the squad are prop Ethan De Groot and loose forward Shannon Frizell.

Hookers

Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukeiaho, Codie Taylor 

Props

Aidan Ross, George Bower, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Ethan de Groot, Angus Ta’avao 

Locks

Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Samuel Whitelock 

Loose Forwards

Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu 

Halfbacks

Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith 

First five–eighths

Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta

Midfielders

Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Quinn Tupaea 

Outside backs

Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece 

Replacement players travelling to South Africa:

Josh Dickson, Braydon Ennor, Tyrel Lomax