New Zealand without 17 for Samoa Test

It is a rarity to see a number of uncapped players in a New Zealand side, but Coach Steve Hansen has had to make a hold host of changes for their test against Samoa next week.

A total of 17 All Blacks are missing due to the Hurricanes and Highlanders competing in Super Rugby’s final on Saturday which could allow around five uncapped players to make their mark on the international stage.

In past years, players have sacrificed a number of things such as birthdays and weddings to pull on the black shirt, but this test in Apia will see some new faces in the New Zealand squad.

In truth, this match is supposed to be a good way for both New Zealand and Samoa to ease themselves back into international rugby, but currently only 24 players remain from the 41-man All Black squad named last week.

Some of the players that may feature against Samoa will know that they could be surplus to requirements when the World Cup begins, so they will be eager to take their chance for a first cap. 

The likes of Chiefs scrum-half Brad Weber and the Blues centre George Moala will be hoping to make their first appearances for New Zealand while the likes of TJ Perenara/Aaron Smith and Ben Smith/ Ma’a Nonu/Malakai Fekitoa are all absent.

In terms of the 24 year-old Moala, this test is also about helping the Pacific Islands. If he is to make his debut for New Zealand, then it might well rule him out of playing for Samoa or Tonga in the future. This also applies to Nepo Laulala who will be amongst the reserves for NZ as Owen Franks is the only natural tighthead in the squad.

In fairness, Hansen can pick an experienced side for this test, but there is a shortage of backs in the squad with Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Cory Jane and new boys like Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo all unavailable.

There are a few players that can fill the positions left in the squad, but the favourites seem to be Chiefs’ James Lowe and Charlie Ngata.

TRU’s Scott Donaldson’s New Zealand Squad to play Samoa.

Here is my Potential All Blacks Squad to Play Samoa, although it is hard to know how many Chiefs will be rested and how many players will instead play for the New Zealand Maori side.

For the record, you can't blame the All Blacks selectors for wanting to see how young players handle the step up to international rugby in this game, but it is an unfortunate situation having players turn their back on international rugby for a Pacific Nation, for one test with the All Blacks.  These young players could be needed following the exodus after Rugby World Cup 2015.

15. Israel Dagg

14. Charles Piutau

13. Ryan Crotty

12. Sonny Bill Williams

11. James Lowe

10. Dan Carter

9. Andy Ellis

8. Kieran Read

7. Matt Todd

6. Jerome Kaino

5. Sam Whitelock

4. Brodie Retallick

3. Owen Franks

2. Keven Mealamu

1. Tony Woodcock

Reserves

16. Hika Elliot

17. Wyatt Crockett

18. Nepo Laulala

19. Luke Romano

20. Richie McCaw

21. Brad Weber

22. Colin Slade

23. George Moala

Who would be in your All Blacks squad to play Manu Samoa given that the Hurricanes and Highlanders players are unavailable and that some senior and tired players might be rested for this game?