New Zealand confirm squad for France tour
Steve Hansen is expecting a tough series against France
©PA
New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has confirmed the squad for the upcoming summer tour of France with forward Shannon Frizell, loose forward Jordan Taufua and Chiefs and Taranaki halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi finding a place.
Crusaders trio Tim Perry, Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue also make it to the squad while Owen Franks and Nehe Milner-Skudder were recalled after they missed the second half of All Blacks season last year due to injuries.
Apart from the 33-man squad, Hansen has added Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman as a cover for Nathan Harris and has also included Blues loose forward Akira Ioane to give him an exposure of international rugby.
Sam Whitelock, who captained the team against Wales last year will be in charge of the team as regular skipper Kieran Read is undergoing a rehabilitation from a back surgery.
Hansen believes Whitelock has all the credentials to lead the side in the absence of Read and is looking forward to begin the new season on a positive note.
"He's one half of the best locking combination in the world and one of the best players on and off the park. He has a cool head under pressure and the support of the players and management.
"In saying that, we're blessed with a number of other leaders in our group and the expectations are that they'll continue to lead both on and off the park in their actions, and in doing so make Sam's job that little bit easier.
"2018 will be about consolidation for us.
"We'll look to continue to grow our player depth and expose more players to our environment and Test rugby, help them improve and enhance their game fundamentals, and in doing so, create consistent, ingrained habits that will hold up under the greatest of pressures, which is Test rugby."
Hansen also refused to play down the threat from their France counterpart and is expecting a challenging series.
"Whilst they're at the end of their season, many of their players haven't played a lot of rugby through injury, so they'll be a lot fresher than they'd normally be, for this campaign.
"Our preparation will need to be both smart and bone-deep if we're to combat this French team, who'll come with a strong belief and commitment. As history tells us, we'd be very foolish and naïve to underestimate their abilities."
Apart from Read, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli, Patrick Tuipulotu and Israel Dagg were not considered for selection due to injuries.
The three-game series will be played in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin on 9th, 16th and 23rd June.
New Zealand squad
Forwards:
Hookers: Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor
Props: Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tuungafasi
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock (c)
Loose forwards: Sam Cane (vc), Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua, Luke Whitelock
Backs:
Half-backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
Fly-halves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga
Centres: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams
Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith (vc)
