Seven Gallagher Chiefs named in All Blacks squad for Bledisloe Cup Tests
The All Blacks squad for the two Bledisloe Cup Test matches in Perth and Auckland has been announced.
The squad is as follows:
FORWARDS
Hookers
Dane Coles
Liam Coltman
Codie Taylor.
Props
Owen Franks
Nepo Laulala
Joe Moody
Atu Moli
Angus Ta'avao
Ofa Tuungafasi
Locks
Scott Barrett
Jackson Hemopo
Patrick Tuipulotu
Samuel Whitelock
Loose Forwards
Sam Cane
Vaea Fifita
Luke Jacobson
Kieran Read
Ardie Savea
Matt Todd
BACKS
Halfbacks
TJ Perenara
Aaron Smith
Brad Weber
First five-eighths
Beauden Barrett
Richie Mo'unga
Midfielders
Jack Goodhue
Ngani Laumape
Anton Lienert-Brown
Sonny Bill Williams
Utility Backs
Braydon Ennor
Jordie Barrett
Outside Backs
George Bridge
Rieko Ioane
Sevu Reece
Ben Smith
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "Bledisloe Cup Tests are always massive Tests. We know that the Wallabies will be confident after their win over Argentina and desperate to win this first match, so we're looking forward to getting to Perth and getting into our Test preparation.
"The Bledisloe Cup is the second most important trophy for us, after the Rugby World Cup, and we're really looking forward to the next two Tests coming up. Two weeks together will give us solid preparation towards growing our game understanding and getting our execution honed, so that's exciting.
"The last time the All Blacks played in Perth was way back in 1992 (against a Western Australia side) but this will be an historic first Test for us in the city, so we're also looking forward to catching up with our fans over there."
Hansen further added that first five-eighth Josh Ioane had also been invited to assemble with the squad to continue his development. Meanwhile, Nepo Laulala and Sonny Bill Williams will both play for Counties Manukau in a pre-Mitre 10 Cup season game on Saturday. Laulala will then join the squad in Perth, while Williams will stay and play Counties Manukau's Mitre 10 Cup season opener on Saturday August 10, before joining the squad in Auckland for the second Bledisloe Cup Test week.
Investec Rugby Championship - All Blacks Tests
1. Argentina 16 All Blacks 20, Saturday 20 July, Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires
2. All Blacks 16 South Africa 16, Saturday 27 July, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
3. vs. AUSTRALIA. Saturday 10 August, 6.00PM (11.00PM NZT), Optus Stadium, Perth
Investec Challenge Bledisloe Cup Test
4. vs. AUSTRALIA. Saturday 17 August, 7.35PM, Eden Park, Auckland
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