New Zealand Name Squad For November

Fresh from their victory over Australia in a thrilling Beldisloe Cup clash at the weekend, New Zealand have named their touring squad for November which includes the sold-out game against Ireland on Sunday, November 24..

Five uncapped players have been picked in a 36-man squad for the All Blacks’ tour of Japan and Europe.

They include the Crusaders’ trio of prop Joe Moody, lock Dominic Bird and loose forward Luke Whitelock, who joins his 48-times capped brother Sam in the touring party.

Also selected are Blues winger Frank Halai and Hurricanes scrum half TJ Perenara, who was named in this year’s Rugby Championship squad but had to pull out through injury.

Skipper Richie McCaw, who was a late withdrawal from the Bledisloe Cup third Test win over Australia on Saturday night because of a tight calf, is back to lead the side.

Two vice-captains have been named in number 8 Kieran Read and out-half Dan Carter, who is returning from a shoulder injury suffered against South Africa in mid-September.

The All Blacks selectors also announced that an ‘apprentice’ player, Hurricanes and Wellington loose forward Ardie Savea, would accompany the squad.

The 20-year-old is the younger brother of All Blacks winger Julian Savea.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said the move is a continuation of the scheme started this year with up-and-coming hookers being brought in to get a taste of the All Blacks environment.

The squad will assemble in Auckland on Friday for a two-day camp. The All Blacks play Japan on Saturday, November 2, followed by Tests on successive weekends against France, England and Ireland.

A group of 27 players, to be named after the camp, will head to Tokyo to prepare for the opening Test, while the nine others will travel to Paris.

Ireland’s November encounter with the All Blacks is already sold out, but tickets are still available for the games against Australia and Samoa.

NEW ZEALAND (2013 November Tour Squad) – Backs (16): Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter (vice captain), Aaron Cruden, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty, Ma’a Nonu, Francis Saili, Israel Dagg, Frank Halai, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.

Forwards (20): Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tony Woodcock, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Kieran Read (vice captain), Luke Whitelock.