Injured All Blacks hooker Dane Coles has been named alongside three Barrett brothers in Steve Hansen’s All Blacks squad for the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.
Captain Kieran Read and his fellow loose forwards Liam Squire and Jerome Kaino, who are all also recovering from injury, were all also included with Coles, who has barely played this season because of knee, calf injuries and concussion symptoms.
Uncapped fullback Jordie Barrett, five-eighth Beauden Barrett and lock Scott Barrett became the first trio of brothers to be named in the same All Blacks squad.
“This has been by far the toughest team that we’ve had to select for some time and some players who are in very good form missed out, and we always feel for them,” Hansen told reporters in Auckland.
“But as is the nature of Test rugby I’m sure a number of them will get an opportunity, if not in this series, then throughout the season.”
Hansen also selected the bullocking inside centre Ngani Laumape, who is also uncapped but has been in scintillating form for the Wellington Hurricanes this season.
“Obviously, it’s a very special occasion for the Barrett and Laumape families, with Jordie and Ngani being selected for the first time,” Hansen said.
“Jordie has been in outstanding form, he has a skillset which is complete and has a great running and kicking game.
“Ngani too has been impressive throughout the Super season and has forced his way in through commanding performances.”
Prop Charlie Faumuina and five-eighth Aaron Cruden were included in the 33-man squad despite having signed with European clubs for next season, undoubtedly due to Hansen preferring to stick with players who have proved themselves at Test level.
All Blacks squad:
Backs: Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Forwards: Kieran Read (capt), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Jerome Kaino, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris.
On standby: Jack Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Matt Todd, Vaea Fifita, Liam Coltman.
