All Blacks: Lauaki may be a bolter for squad

Sione Lauaki. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The All Blacks coaching staff are today assessing possible candidates from the Junior All Blacks for their Tri-Nations squad.

Players likely to be under heavy consideration include loose forward Sione Lauaki and winger Hosea Gear who featured strongly in the Juniors Pacific Nations Cup title defence.

Juniors assistant coach Colin Cooper says team management will convey their thoughts to Graham Henry. He says they will pass on details of how the players are working on and off the field as well as their discipline.

Cooper is particularly glowing of Lauaki's performance at the Pacific Nations Cup. He says Lauaki has impressed him immensely, showing great leadership skills in tough conditions in Fiji.

The All Blacks Tri-Nations squad is announced tomorrow.

Possible Tri-Nations squad:

Backs:

Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane / Hosea Gear, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Lelia Masaga, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Stephen Donald, Colin Slade, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard, Jimmy Cowan

Forwards:

Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Kieran Read / Sione Lauaki, Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Bryn Evans, Jason Eaton, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Aled de Malmanche.

- NEWSTALK ZB, Agencies