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.
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.
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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The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- The Advertiser
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. 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. 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.
Perth Now
10 hours ago
- Perth Now
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.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Why the Wallabies weren't shocked to see the Pumas maul Lions
With a host of potential Test starters not featuring in Dublin, it was difficult to gauge what style the Lions will attempt to play in Australia, or even identify clear strengths and weaknesses. But Porecki said an undermanned Pumas provided some insights into how to take on the Lions. 'What Argentina did well was they physically went to work, especially in the pack. And they took opportunities in turnover, and you can see that in some of the tries they scored,' Porecki said. 'It's amazing how simple rugby is sometimes. If you take advantage of opportunities and you are physical, it can put you in the right place.' Porecki was last week named in his first Wallabies squad since the 2023 World Cup, after missing most of last year with a chronic Achilles tendon injury, and then withdrawing from consideration for the spring tour due to the arrival of twins. The Waratahs hooker was even captain of the Wallabies for much of the World Cup, and one of the sadder sights in a grim campaign was the ashen-faced Porecki sitting next to Eddie Jones as the coach was grilled on Japanese job interviews and the crushing losses. As ever, Porecki maintained a cool demeanour while doing media duties on Sunday, but after a frustrating break, he said he can't wait to try to earn his Wallabies No.2 jersey back. 'Obviously last year was difficult for me, missing most of the year. But I worked pretty hard and credit to the medical teams for getting it all right,' Porecki said. 'I feel good and body feels in a good place now and ready to just rip in. 'A lot has happened since then (the World Cup). That's a few years ago now. It's a completely new group as well. So that's the most exciting thing for me. It's a different energy to the one the last time I was in.' Porecki said the Wallabies' improvements made under Joe Schmidt were clear to see from outside the squad. 'You always want to be part of it. So if you're missing out on it, it's tough to watch. But at the same time, you know performances are what get you there.' Meanwhile, RA chief executive Phil Waugh said announcements are imminent about players for the AUNZ fixture against the Lions in Adelaide on Juy 12. Michael Hooper and Richie Mo'unga have already ruled themselves out, leading to concerns about the absence of star power for the Adelaide Oval clash, which is not sold out. 'We'll be accelerating those announcements post the Super Rugby final, and once Joe gets a position around his selections for Fiji, and we also get a good line of sight as to obviously All black selections and who may be available.' Loading The All Blacks name their squad to play against France on Monday. Waugh said he was 'very, very conscious' of the need to get some buzz brewing for the AUNZ and First Nations/Pasifca games. 'They're daily conversations in our daily stand-ups to ensure that we've got the right momentum with the marketing,' Waugh said. 'They're going to be awesome celebrations of rugby and people want certainty as to who is going to play. And so we'll make sure both teams are high quality and very competitive.'
