Coach resists calls for Savea to skipper All Blacks
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has retained Scott Barrett as captain for New Zealand's three-Test series against France next month, ignoring calls to promote star backrower Ardie Savea.
Barrett's reappointment was certain when it was revealed that Robertson's 35-man squad would be announced on Monday at the Coastal Rugby Club in the tiny North Island town of Rahotu to which all three Barrett brothers belong.
Beauden and Jordie Barrett also were named in the squad — midfielder Jordie was included despite spending the last northern season in Ireland with European Champions Cup finalist Leinster.
Savea was voted Super Rugby Player of the Year after he led Moana Pasifika to their best-ever season in the tournament. But Robertson remained loyal to Barrett, with whom he has a strong bond. Barrett wasn't Crusaders' captain when the franchise won the Super Rugby title this season for the 13th time.
"Scott's leadership is hugely valued in this group and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie," Robertson said.
"They will play a vital role along with the wider player leadership group in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success."
The squad, read out by former All Blacks captain and current New Zealand Rugby chairman David Kirk, includes five new faces.
Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister and prop Ollie Norris, Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, Hurricanes flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi and Highlanders centre Timoci Tavatavanawai were all named for the first time.
Holland joins Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa'i and Patrick Tuipulotu among the secondrowers in the squad. Kirifi, the Hurricanes captain who has been the best jackal among New Zealand teams this season, is included among backrowers with Savea, Samipeni Finau, Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson.
Tavatavanawai was picked in the midfield along with Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea and Billy Proctor. Tupaea returns to the All Blacks squad for the first time since 2022 after recovering well from a serious knee injury.
"For the five uncapped players this is a particularly special day," Robertson said. "These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad. "
Another uncapped player, Crusaders No.8 Christian Lio-Willie, has been designated as injury cover for Jacobson while two-Test winger Emoni Narawa will cover for Lienert-Brown.
Hooker Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, lock Sam Darry, flanker Peter Lakai and utility back Stephen Perofeta were unavailable because of injury.
Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie will vie for the No.10 jersey while Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love and Sevu Reece will contest places in the back three along with Ioane, who can cover wing.
Robertson will use his full squad in the three Tests against France. The All Blacks and France meet at Dunedin on July 5, Wellington on July 12 and Hamilton on July 19.
All Blacks squad:
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie McAlister. Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi. Locks: Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa'i. Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson; Scrumhalves: Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard. Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie. Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Sevu Reece.
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