With the Crusaders ravaged by injuries, prop Tamaiti Williams' Super Rugby form has been rewarded with a call-up in the front row. "We have total belief that he is the right man to lead us."īlues pair Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu have missed out, with no shortage of quality in the loose forwards, while Ethan Blackadder is unavailable through injury. "Sam has proven himself as a great leader of our team, despite having had a disrupted couple of seasons leading into this one,” said Foster. He is joined in the loose forwards by Chiefs teammates Sam Cane - named captain - and Luke Jacobson, as well as Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali'i and Shannon Frizell. Tongan-born Finau, 24, has represented New Zealand at U19 level and has the chance to add test rugby to his CV. Only wingers Leicester Fainga'anuku and Mark Telea - also included in the squad - have scored more than Stevenson.Īrguably the biggest bolter selection is Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau, who has been prominent in his side's run to the Super Rugby final. The fullback has been instrumental in his side's run to the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Crusaders, scoring 11 tries. While Narawa's form has been rewarded, Chiefs teammate Shaun Stevenson has missed out on the main squad, instead picked as injury cover. The rookie joins Aaron Smith and Finlay Christie as halfback options, while Chiefs co-captain Brad Weber and Highlanders back-up Folau Fakatava have been overlooked.įijian-born winger Emoni Narawa, 23, has also been called up for the first time, after 12 appearances for the Chiefs so far this season, taking complete control of the No.14 jersey and scoring seven tries. He played 14 of their 16 matches, starting 13, scoring nine tries. Roigard, 22, has been selected on the back of an outstanding season for the Hurricanes, on their run to the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals. In a selection that will surprise few, Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard has been called up for the first time, perhaps a pointer to the future of the No.9 jersey. "We have a new group of exciting players, who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey." "This is very special day for them and their families,who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements," Foster said. With just five tests scheduled before this year's Rugby World Cup, the national selectors have named an exciting squad that blends youth and experience. The final squad of 30 for the U20 World Rugby Championship in South Africa will be announced on Monday 5 June.Coach Ian Foster has called up five newcomers for his first All Blacks squad of 2023, among 36 players named for the Rugby Championship. Gabe Robinson (Waikato) Harry Godfrey (Hawke’s Bay).They have done an amazing job, to pull together an exciting group of young men.” “There has been a huge amount of work that has been delivered by our selector network, alongside Wes and Marty. The players will be put through their paces across our two camps in Wellington before we select our group that is finalised in May before we embark on a competitive and tough Rugby World Championship. “We have a talented group to work with and we know they have plenty to offer. New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach Clark Laidlaw said he was pleased with the squad that has been selected and is looking forward to this group challenging themselves to book their spot in the final squad to head to the U20 Rugby World Championship in South Africa. In addition, All Blacks Sevens players Che Clark, Codemeru Vai and Payton Spencer will make the switch back to fifteens. Young Crusaders first five-eighth Taha Kemara, halfback Noah Hotham and winger Macca Springer, Hurricanes up and comers, fullback Harry Godfrey, hooker Raymond Tuputupu and No.8 Peter Lakai, along with talented Blues wing Caleb Tangitau and Highlanders hooker Jack Taylor. The squad features eight players who have had Super Rugby experience or are contracted in this year’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific squads. The 2023 New Zealand Under 20 wider squad of 38 players has been selected by Head Coach Clark Laidlaw and Assistants Marty Bourke and Wesley Clarke after a comprehensive player identification process including the Bunnings Warehouse Super Rugby U20 tournament held in Taupō.
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