All Blacks Adjust Squad for Northern End-of-Year Tour
The All Blacks have made only one adjustment to their 36-man squad for this year’s northern end-of-year tour.
Cam Roigard Returns from Injury
After spending six months sidelined by injury during Super Rugby Pacific with the Hurricanes, halfback Cam Roigard is the sole newcomer and is set for his first test appearance of the year under new coach Scott Robertson.
Hotham Dropped for All Blacks XV
Roigard’s selection, however, comes at the expense of one-cap halfback Noah Hotham, who has been dropped from the All Blacks and instead chosen for the All Blacks XV touring squad, coached by Clayton McMillan.
Roigard’s Strong Form and New Opportunities
Cam was in outstanding form for Counties over the weekend and will be eager to make his return.
Fellow halfbacks Cortez Ratima and TJ Perenara demonstrated during the Rugby Championship that they’ve earned their places in the squad, which means Noah Hotham will join the All Blacks XV squad, giving him the opportunity to gain valuable playing time.
Northern Tour: A Chance for Growth
The Northern Tour presents an exciting challenge, offering the team a chance to keep evolving their game and develop a style of rugby that seizes opportunities against tough competition. They’ve chosen a squad that provides consistency and continuity, while also striking the right balance by giving emerging talent the chance to grow alongside players with valuable experience against northern hemisphere opponents.
Perenara and Cane Retained for Final Tests
Hotham’s departure ensures TJ Perenara remains in the squad for his final tests with the All Blacks. The 32-year-old is set to leave New Zealand Rugby at the end of 2024 to take up a contract in Japan.
Former captain Sam Cane is in a similar situation and has also been retained, despite the competition from rising Wellington loose forward Peter Lakai.
Upcoming Fixtures for the All Blacks
The All Blacks kick off their northern tour against Japan on October 26, before heading to Europe to face England, Ireland, France, and Italy in consecutive weeks.
All Blacks XV Matches
Meanwhile, the All Blacks XV will face Irish club side Munster and the Georgian national team in Montpellier as part of their tour.
Full Squad Announcement
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (captain), Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi
Backs: TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Cam Roigard, 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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