Rugby: New faces and young stars to be named to Ian Foster’s All Blacks team

The All Blacks team will be named today at 11 a.m. M. And it will feature several new faces, including some of the young talents at Super Rugby Aotearoa. Liam Napier reports.

The new era of Ian Foster’s All Blacks is expected to usher in a host of rookies and welcome the resurgence of several former test prospects.

Blues standout No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu and dynamic wing Caleb Clarke, Crusaders on the outside Will Jordan and two rookie locks along with retiring Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane could be among the top picks. talking points when Foster introduces his first squad this morning.

Despite constant uncertainty about when and where the All Blacks will play this year, Foster can name an extended squad of 35-38 players, leaving plenty of room to prepare prospects and ideally cover three at most. the positions.

This year’s testing schedule, including the Rugby Championship fate, is not expected to be finalized until next week.

the Herald understands that Foster’s tenure will begin with two Bledisloe Cup games against Dave Rennie’s Wallabies next month, although it remains uncertain where those tests will take place. If the All Blacks open their campaign in Australia, they may need additional coverage outside of their 35-man squad to protect against the challenges of replacing injured players when quarantine is required.

Lock pick was always going to be a major headache for Foster and fellow selectors John Plumtree and Grant Fox. Sam Whitelock and Patrick Tuipulotu are certainties, but with Brodie Retallick absent on a sabbatical and Scott Barrett working to get back on track. in shape, Foster needs to promote two test rookies.

While the Crusaders lock, Quinten Strange was unavailable for the North vs. South game due to a sternum injury, it may not be out of the frame for a possible All Blacks call-up.

Highlanders and Tasman lock Pari Pari Parkinson, considered one of the main contenders, is nevertheless undergoing season-ending ankle surgery.

The Crusaders lock out Mitchell Dunshea and 20-year-old Chiefs prospect Tupou Vaa’i – Wesley College’s 1.98m and 118kg product would be a serious bolter if included – will also contest the two vacant blocking roles.

In the hotly debated outside backs, the All Blacks may have room to select all of their talent in form, including rising stars Clarke and Jordan. Both produced irresistible form during Super Rugby Aotearoa, with Jordan comfortable on the wing and on the side while Clarke’s size and power adds a different dimension to the options on the rim.

The All Blacks face a decision around their first five-eighths. Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett will share the No. 10 jersey, but selectors may choose to include Damian McKenzie as a floating cover of three and No. 10. That would leave talented playmaker Josh Ioane, who had a significant impact on the Highlanders after returning from injury late in their season, to continue their development in the 10 Miter Cup with Otago, rather than sitting in the stands.

Sotutu’s speed with his back to the scum, combined with his ability off the hand and off the boot, attracted worldwide interest, including from the respective England and Fiji coaches, before a knee injury knocked him out of the game. the Blues campaign.

Now fit again, Sotutu is expected to be included in the stacked loose forwards that may feature Akira Ioane’s rewarding comeback.

Ioane has yet to make his test debut for the All Blacks, playing a match against the French XV in Lyon in 2017 before falling well in the pecking order. His constant defensive and work-paced efforts for the Blues this season, and improved mental outlook, lifted him back to the frame. This was reflected in his starting role as blind end for Team North.

Shannon Frizell’s commanding physical presence for the Highlanders this season cannot be ignored either, but if the All Blacks choose to select six loose forwards to ensure coverage in all three roles, they could include Blues wing in three trials Dalton Papalii and Ioane with Captain Sam. Cane and Ardie Savea.

That depth of attack is reflected in the absence of the Chiefs duo, Luke Jacobson and Lachlan Boshier, from the North team.

Three years after his two appearances with the All Blacks as a 20-year-old, Hurricanes hooker Aumua has put his commanding presence back on the line after an excellent Super Rugby season. Aumua’s selection to start on the north side is a nod to his dynamic skills in the park and a mature professional demeanor.

Dane Coles’ nagging calf complaint may still force the All Blacks to bring in four prostitutes, but Aumua is expected to be the third choice.

Ngani Laumape’s fractured forearm eliminated the midfield conundrum with all four contenders: Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and Crusaders center Braydon Ennor, who is believed to be locked up, though Ennor will be sweating with the diagnosis. of his knee. after twisting it while tackling off Rieko Ioane and limping 13 minutes in the North-South clash last night.

Rieko Ioane’s selection in midfield, after impressing in the center of the Blues, indicates where his long-term future lies after scoring 24 attempts in 29 tests largely per wing.

The front row is largely chosen with the resurgence of Blues mainstay Karl Tu’inukuafe, who is expected to grant him a recall after missing last year’s World Cup team following a viral meningitis illness. .

Possible squad of the All Blacks

Forward:

Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Tyrel Lomax, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Tupou Vaa’i / Mitchell Dunshea, Quinten Strange, Sam Cane , Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Shannon Frizell

Backs:

Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Barrett, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie.

Follow the All Blacks team name live on nzherald.co.nz and Newstalk ZB starting at 11:00 a.m. M.