The new head coach of the All Blacks, Scott Robertson, has chosen Scott Barrett from the Crusaders to lead the national team in their upcoming matches against England and Fiji.
Among the 32 players named by Robertson, there are five new caps, including Pasilio Tosi (prop), George Bell (hooker), Wallace Sititi (loose forward), Cortez Ratima (halfback), and Billy Proctor (midfield), who are all in line to make their international debuts.
Barrett will be the 81st player to captain the team, and Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett have been appointed vice-captains.
George Bell has been given this opportunity due to Samisoni Taukei’aho’s injury, while Pasilio Tosi’s selection may be linked to Xavier Numia’s injury and the coach’s decision to include an extra prop instead of an additional lock.
As confirmed by Robertson, Stephen Perofeta may have been selected over Ruben Love because he could cover the first five positions.
Robertson stated that the most challenging decisions were in the loose forwards’ positions, which he played during his international career.
He has emphasized the team’s need to excel on both sides of the ball and be physically and mentally tough. Ruben Love, Sam Darry, George Bower, and David Havili will also join the team as injury cover.
The first All Black squad for 2024 is:
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell*
Props: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi*, Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Tamaiti Williams
Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea (vice-captain), Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi*, Samipeni Finau, Dalton Papali’i
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Finlay Christie, Cortez Ratima*
First five-eighths: Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Stephen Perofeta
Midfield: Jordie Barrett (vice-captain), Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor*
Outside backs: Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a, Emoni Narawa, Caleb Clarke
* uncapped
