All Blacks name Rugby Championship squad

Steve Hansen has revealed his 33-man New Zealand All Blacks roster for the 2018 Rugby Championship. Included are 10 members of the Super Rugby-winning Crusaders side with the squad showing few changes from the group that took part in the June test series.

There are two uncapped players named in Crusaders loosehead prop Tim Perry and Chiefs scrumhalf Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi. At the other end of the spectrum Kieran Read returns as captain with his 109 caps the most in the group. Sam Whitelock will join the century club in his next match, with Owen Franks just one cap behind on 98.

Two supplemental players will train with the squad. Liam Coltman of the Highlanders stands in for injured hooker Dane Coles, and Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape provides cover for Sonny Bill Williams. Both Coles and Williams are expected to play a significant role in the competition.

Not considered due to injury are Chiefs prop trio Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, and Atunaisa Moli, with Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua also ruled out.

New Zealand open their Rugby Championship with a Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on August 18.

FORWARDS
Owen Franks (Crusaders), Joe Moody (Crusaders), Tim Perry (Crusaders), Karl Tu’inukuafe (Chiefs), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Nathan Harris (Chiefs), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Scott Barrett (Crusaders), Jackson Hemopo (Highlanders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Shannon Frizell (Highlanders), Kieran Read (capt., Crusaders), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Liam Squire (Highlanders), Luke Whitelock (Highlanders)

BACKS
TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Chiefs), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Damian McKenzie (Chiefs), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Sonny Bill Williams (Blues), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), Ben Smith (Highlanders)