Dave Rennie has named his first All Blacks squad as coach, with four uncapped players chosen for next month’s Nations Championship home tests in New Zealand. Ardie Savea has been named captain of the 34-player squad after Scott Barrett was ruled out with injury. The All Blacks will begin their campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July.
The four uncapped players are Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Xavier Numia and Anton Segner. Fineanganofo’s selection is especially notable because he is due to join English club Newcastle later this year. He had a standout Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes, who won the competition.
Fineanganofo and Moorby both scored 17 tries each during the season, setting a new competition record. Numia, also from the Hurricanes, has been included as a prop, while German-born Blues flanker Segner joins a strong group of loose forwards. Some players, including Will Jordan, Wallace Sititi and Tupou Vaa’i, have injury concerns before the first test.
Rennie said the squad includes players who can handle the demands of test rugby while playing with energy and strength. Savea said being captain was one of the greatest honours in sport. The All Blacks will also play Italy in Wellington on 11 July and Ireland in Auckland on 18 July.
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