Steve Hansen springs surprises in extended New Zealand squad
Sunday 5 July 2015 15:38, UK
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has sprung some surprises in naming an extended squad to face Samoa on July 8 as the All Blacks begin their final preparations for their World Cup defence.
Hurricanes outside back Nehe Milner-Skudder and Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor have been joined by Hurricanes lock James Broadhurst, Highlanders fly-half Lima Sopoaga and his team mate Waisake Naholo as the five uncapped players in the 41-man squad.
The one-off Test against Samoa comes just four days after the Super Rugby final, which could see two teams from New Zealand competing with the Highlanders and Hurricanes playing semi-finals against Australian opposition next Saturday.
"We have selected a large squad of 41 players, partly through necessity, with two New Zealand teams still involved in the Super Rugby competition," said Hansen.
"But, more importantly, it also gives us the chance to work with some athletes we haven't worked with before and see how they cope at Test level.
"This will allow us to make better decisions when it comes to selecting our rugby World Cup team in August."
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Hansen will finalise his 31-man rugby World Cup squad on August 30.
He also showed faith in players, notably outside backs Cory Jane and Israel Dagg, who have performed for him at Test level in the past but have been injured for much of this season.
New Zealand squad:
Backs: Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Malakai Fekitoa, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Ryan Crotty, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Liam Messam, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Hika Elliot, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina.
