The All Blacks XV squad has been named ahead of their two match Northern Tour against Munster and Georgia next month.
Munster will be welcoming the New Zealand side on Saturday, November 2, at an already sold out Thomond Park.
The 29-strong squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups with the process led by respective Head Coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan.
The All Blacks XV squad is: (Age / DHL Super Rugby Pacific club / Province)
*denotes All Blacks cap
Forwards (17)
Props
Xavier Numia (25 / Hurricanes / Wellington)
George Dyer (24/ Chiefs / Waikato)
Saula Ma’u (24 / Highlanders / Otago)
Marcel Renata (30 / Blues / Auckland)
George Bower (32 / Crusaders / Otago)*
Hookers
Brodie McAlister (27 / Crusaders / Canterbury)
Kurt Eklund (32 / Blues / Bay of Plenty)
Bradley Slater (26 / Chiefs / Taranaki)
Locks
Josh Lord (23 / Chiefs / Taranaki)*
Fabian Holland (21 / Highlanders / Otago)
Isaia Walker-Leawere (27 / Hurricanes / Hawke’s Bay)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (25 / Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)
Loose Forwards
Du’Plessis Kirifi (27 / Hurricanes / Wellington)
Peter Lakai (21/ Hurricanes / Wellington)
Hoskins Sotutu (26 / Blues / Counties Manukau)*
Oliver Haig (22 / Highlanders / Otago)
Christian Lio-Willie (26 / Crusaders / Otago)
Backs (12)
Halfbacks
Noah Hotham (21 / Crusaders / Tasman)*
Finlay Christie (29 / Blues / Tasman)*
First five-eighths
Harry Plummer (26 / Blues / Auckland)*
Josh Jacomb (23 / Chiefs / Taranaki)
Mid-fielders
Quinn Tupaea (25 / Chiefs / Waikato)*
Riley Higgins (22 / Hurricanes / Wellington)
AJ Lam (26 / Blues / Auckland)
Dallas McLeod (25 / Crusaders / Canterbury)*
Outside Backs
Kiniviliame Naholo (25 / Hurricanes / Taranaki)
Emoni Narawa (25 / Chiefs / Bay of Plenty)*
Chay Fihaki (23 / Crusaders / Canterbury)
Shaun Stevenson (27 / Chiefs / North Harbour)*
Clayton McMillan is Head Coach of the All Blacks XV, alongside Assistant Coaches Cory Jane, Jamie Mackintosh and David Hill.
McMillan, who was in camp with the All Blacks ahead of their test in Wellington last month, is excited by the squad selected and is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase the skills of the team internationally.
“Congratulations to those selected, this is a special moment for the players and their whanau to represent their country.
“Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It’s great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons.”
Scott Robertson All Blacks Head Coach and All Blacks XV selector said, “I am really pleased with the mix of this squad, having players with All Blacks experience alongside emerging talent is important.”
