Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
New Zealand Head Coach Steve Hansen has named his roster for the Rugby Championship. Together with Ian Foster and Grant Fox, Hansen unveiled a squad including Olympian Sonny Bill Williams but missing revelation Damian McKenzie.
Included in the roster are New Zealand based Super Rugby players. The Crusaders lead the way with 9 players, followed by the Highlanders with 7, Chiefs with 6 and the Hurricanes and Blues with 9 each. Curiously the Hurricanes have been the best New Zealand side this season and will face the Lions in the final this coming Saturday.
Super Rugby players not considered for selection are Charlie Ngatai and Milner Skudder. Both players remain injured and are being monitored.
New Zealand will open their Rugby Championship campaign away to Australia. The match will take place in Sydney on Saturday August 20. Argentina will play away to South Africa later that day.
NEW ZEALAND
Forwards: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Elliot Dixon, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read (capt.), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire
Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala, Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Ben Smith
