WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The return of several leading players from injury or other absences has strengthened the 36-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship.
Scrumhalf T.J. Perenara returned after recently playing in Japan and props Joe Moody and Ofa Tuungafasi, who have been sidelined with injuries, were also recalled Monday by head coach Ian Foster.
Perenara, the third scrumhalf in the squad after Aaron Smith and Brad Weber, is making a staged return to international rugby, playing first at club and provincial level. Scotland-born scrumhalf Finlay Christie, who made his test debut in the All Blacks’ July international series, will remain with the squad as cover.
Loosehead prop Moody missed the July tests while recovering from an ankle injury and tighthead Tuungafasi has also recently been unavailable. George Bower, who also was introduced to test rugby earlier this month, will remain with the squad on standby because Moody is not expected to be immediately available for selection.
Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, who scored two tries on debut in Saturday’s second test against Fiji, is also remaining as injury cover for Asafo Aumua, who missed both wins against Fiji.
Center Braydon Ennor returns after recently undergoing treatment for appendicitis.
Veteran lock Sam Whitelock will continue to captain New Zealand in the absence of Sam Cane, who is recovering from a pectoral injury. Center Jack Goodhue also wasn’t considered for selection because of injury.
The tests in July “gave us a great opportunity to grow some depth and experience,” Foster said. “It also enabled us to re-establish some returning players, both from overseas or from injury.
“The Bledisloe Cup plus the Rugby Championship are pinnacle challenges for us and remain our top priorities. There is real excitement in the group for these opportunities in front of us.”
The All Blacks will have a two-day camp in Christchurch next week before assembling for the first Bledisloe Cup test against Australia at Auckland on August 7. The teams will meet again at Perth on Aug. 21 and Wellington on Aug. 26.
“The Bledisloe Cup series is a great way for us to kick off this part of the season,” Foster said. “It’s our first challenge; we’re playing for a trophy that is massively important to us and we’re both coming in fresh off our respective series wins so it bodes well for a great series.”
After the Bledisloe Cup series, the All Blacks are scheduled to play four tests on consecutive weekends in September, against Argentina and World Cup champion South Africa. The Springboks missed last year’s Championship and New Zealand slumped to its first-ever loss to Argentina.
“Having the South Africans back in the Championship is going to be exciting for everyone,” Foster said. “We haven’t played them since the Rugby World Cup in 2019 so there will be a lot of anticipation about them and the 100th test match (against the Springboks) is going to be an extra special occasion.”
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New Zealand squad: Forwards, Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Whitelock (captian), Ethan Blackadder, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papalii, Ardie Savea, Hoskins Sotutu. Backs, T.J. Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Sevu Reece.
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