New Zealand’s National Rugby Team Prepares for Challenging Northern Hemisphere Tour
In a surprise move, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has opted to retain seasoned veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara in his 36-man squad for the upcoming northern hemisphere tour. Despite speculation that the pair would be cut loose to make way for new talent, Robertson has chosen to prioritize continuity and experience.
The squad features only one change from the roster that secured home-and-away Rugby Championship Test wins against Australia, with scrum-half Cam Roigard returning from a long injury layoff. Roigard’s successful return to competitive rugby was marked by two tries for provincial side Counties Manukau over the weekend.
Robertson praised Roigard’s form, saying, “It’s fantastic to see Cam back in great shape and we’re excited to have him back in the mix.” The coach also expressed his confidence in Perenara and Cortez Ratima, stating that they had “shown during the Rugby Championship that they deserve their spots in the squad.”
Cane, who has earned 100 Test caps, will have the opportunity to add to his tally on the tour. The loose forward mix also features Dalton Papali’i, Wallace Sititi, and Ethan Blackadder.
The All Blacks will face a challenging schedule, starting with a match against Japan in Yokohama on October 26, followed by games against England, Ireland, France, and Italy in successive weeks. Robertson emphasized the importance of evolving the team’s game style and building consistency against top-tier competition.
The full squad is as follows:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Cam Roigard, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a
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