The All Blacks XV squad for matches against Munster and Georgia has been named, with 10 capped All Blacks in the 29-player group, ahead of their northern tour.
Standout Blues loose forward Hoskins Sotutu has been named, after being passed over for the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship and northern tour squads. Chiefs fliers Shaun Stevenson and Emoni Narawa are in with a chance to make their way back into the All Blacks environment, after also being overlooked this year by Scott Robertson and his coaching staff.
Promising Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai gets a nod, as does six-test lock Josh Lord, with the All Blacks XV opting to mix youth and experience in the forward pack.
A notable omission comes in the front row with Taranaki and Blues hooker Ricky Riccitelli missing out on selection after he too was a standout in the Blues’ title-winning Super Rugby Pacific season.
A small number of players from the All Blacks XV squad will travel early to Japan with the All Blacks to help with their preparation and gain additional experience in the test environment, before joining up with the All Blacks XV squad to play Munster and Georgia in November.
