Asafo Aumua named in All Blacks touring squad for European tour

Steve Hansen has selected 20-year-old Asafo Aumua in New Zealand's squad for their November tour of the northern hemisphere.

Aumua is one of four uncapped players in the party, the others are outside back Matt Duffie, prop Tim Perry and midfielder Jack Goodhue, as the All Blacks prepare for matches in France, Scotland and Wales.

The hooker propelled himself onto many people's radars in June when he scored a hat-trick in the World Rugby U20s Championship final against England and that feat was the cherry on top of an outstanding tournament for the young man.

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On selecting the forward, Hansen praised Aumua's physicality and vowed to ensure that the 20-year-old will be prepared for the rigours of the senior international game.

"He's dominating, he's dominating when he carries, everything he does, he does really, really well and stands out," Hansen told reporters after naming his squad.

"That's not normal for a 20-year-old. So when you see non-normal behaviour which is positive, it's not too hard to reward it."

Aumua, who made his Wellington debut as a teenager last year and has since accumulated 16 provincial caps and scored 50 points, is yet to play in Super Rugby.

"We'll just do what we do with every new All Black, we'll just make sure he is ready to go," New Zealand's head coach added.

"And how much he gets will depend on how ready he is. He seems to be a pretty mature young man. He's got an opportunity now to spend some time with three good hookers and learn from them and he'll get a little bit of game time.

"He's one for the future probably but right now we'll get to know him."

With a match against the Barbarians, live on Sky Sports Action, and a game against a French XV also within the All Blacks' touring schedule the door to international rugby looks to be opening for Aumua.

"The opportunity of this tour with the Barbarians game and the second French game just gives us the opportunity to play someone like him," Hansen highlighted.

"We need four hookers and he's the obvious young up-and-comer. Rather than being an apprentice, he'll get to tour and play. He's pretty special so we'll see how he goes."