Four new caps named in All Blacks squad - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Four new caps named in All Blacks squad

30/05/2010 12:09:30 PM Comments (0)

Four new caps have been named in the All Blacks for rugby Tests next month against Ireland and Wales.

The 26-man squad named on Sunday contains newcomers in five-eighth Aaron Cruden, inside centre Benson Stanley, loose forward Victor Vito and fullback Israel Dagg.

As well, Auckland wing Joe Rokocoko has been recalled and Wellington utility Piri Weepu has been included after earlier signalling he was considering offers to play in France.

The selection deliberations of New Zealand coaches Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen in recent weeks have been complicated due to a growing list of injuries which ruled out a series of players, among them hooker Andrew Hore, wing Sitiveni Sivivatu and second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu.

That list was extended on Saturday when Chiefs five-eighth Stephen Donald was ruled out for at least three weeks after injuring a shoulder during a club match in Hamilton.

Otago lock Tom Donnelly and Waikato fullback Mils Muliaina have been included despite spending lengthy spells on the sideline this season due to injury.

Donnelly has not played since early March while Muliaina's scheduled comeback from a broken thumb was delayed by a calf strain.

The All Blacks play Ireland at New Plymouth on June 12 before a two-match series against Wales, at Dunedin on June 19 and Hamilton a week later.

All Blacks squad:

Backs: Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Piri Weepu.

Forwards: Anthony Boric, Aled de Malmanche, Tom Donnelly, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Victor Vito, Tony Woodcock.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news