The All Blacks have named their first squad of 2022.
The 36-strong squad was announced live through All Blacks platforms on Monday afternoon, where coach Ian Foster and selectors presented six new players and 30 previous representatives.
While a core group of players have returned including the likes of Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea and all three Barrett’s (Beauden, Jordie and Scott), several bolters were named to participate in the upcoming Steinlager Series.
All Blacks veteran Sam Cane has retained his position at the helm despite strong competition from other seasoned players, while his Chiefs’ co-captain Brad Weber failed to make selection.
In Weber’s absence, Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie and debutant Folau Fakatava will comprise the halfbacks.
NRL convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also made the cut, along with Stephen Perofeta, Pita Gus Sowakula, Aidan Ross and Leicester Fainga’anuku.
Foster believes the combination of Test rookies and experienced players will ensure the team is equipped to take on the formidable Ireland team in the July series.
“We’re incredibly excited and I think you’ll sort of feel there’s a bit of newness in this squad. We’ve got 6 new boys who I think have really played their way in,” Foster told All Blacks media.
“There’s also a bit of pragmatism with a couple of the selections about making sure that we've got the equipment we need to play well against Ireland.”
One player who received plenty of attention prior to selection was utility back Jordie Barrett and Foster has made his stance clear on the player’s position in the side.
“I think I said early on that we still saw him as a 15 who can play in the midfield,” Foster continued.
“We were interested bystanders watching him play 12 and we liked a lot of what we saw in terms (of) what he did in that space, but primarily for us, he's an outstanding fullback.
“We think he plays well in that space and we’ve got some other midfield options but what it does do is it maybe changes the way we select our 23.”
Captain Sam Cane says it is a “massive honour” to lead the side once again, and looks forward to welcoming the new All Blacks into the side.
“You never take it for granted because here’s just so many good players out there,” Cane said.
“Fozzy, I was lucky I got a little bit of a heads up, (he) rang me on Saturday and asked if I was willing to be captain gain so obviously it’s just a massive honour as well, but yeah never take it for granted.
“Also (it’s) just so cool to hear the new boys get named too, will be massively exciting for them and their families right now.”
Players who are not involved in the Super Rugby Pacific Final on Saturday evening will head into camp this week, as the side prepares for a three-Test series against Ireland next month.
2022 Steinlager Series All Blacks Squad:
Hookers:
Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor
Props:
George Bower, Nepo Laulala, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Locks:
Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Whitelock
Loose Forwards:
Sam Cane, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu, Pita Gus Sowakula
Inside Backs:
Finlay Christie, Folau Fakatava, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Stephen Perofeta
Centres:
David Havili, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck*, Quinn Tupaea
Outside Backs:
Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece