All Blacks squad announced with Scott Barrett named captain

New coach Scott Robertson has announced the 32 men who will represent New Zealand against England and Fiji in the coming July Tests.

With eight of the 33-strong squad that made it to last year’s World Cup final now plying their trade overseas and therefore ineligible for selection, opportunities under the new coaching regime are plentiful in 2024 and a number of emerging and resurgent talents have profited.

The newcomers are George Bell, Billy Proctor, Cortez Ratima, Wallace Sititi and Pasilio Tosi.

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Injuries to the likes of Sam Cane, Cam Roigard, Samisoni Taukei’aho and Will Jordan have also potentially paved the way for some more inclusions. Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta and Sevu Reece are all back in the mix.

Just three locks have been named, with Sam Darry also joining the squad as cover for Patrick Tuipulotu who recently made a quick return from an MCL injury. Ruben Love, David Havili and George Bower have also been named as extended squad members.

Scott Barrett has been named captain, with Jordie Barrett and Ardie Savea vice-captains.

“There are some great leaders in our group, but having that existing connection to Scott was important. He’s tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he’s got the respect of the players and coaches,” Scott Robertson said.

“Leadership is a shared responsibility and Ardie, Jordie and our wider leadership group will be crucial to how we come together and connect ahead of the first Test against England.

“As a coaching group, we are excited about the squad we’ve selected. We know it’s a group that can play the style of rugby we want the All Blacks to play in 2024.”

The youngest squad member is rookie Wallace Sititi at 21. Robertson congratulated the No. 8 along with the other four newcomers.

“It’s a proud moment for them and their families. They’ve earned their places through performance and consistency and it’s an exciting time in their careers. As coaches, we will get them ready so they can take their opportunity when it comes.”

All Blacks squad

Hookers:
Codie Taylor
Asafo Aumua
George Bell

Props:
Ethan de Groot
Tyrel Lomax
Fletcher Newell
Pasilio Tosi
Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Tamaiti Williams

Locks:
Patrick Tuipulotu
Scott Barrett
Tupou Vaa’i

Loose Forwards:
Ethan Blackadder
Samipeni Finau
Dalton Papali’i
Luke Jacobson
Ardie Savea
Wallace Sititi

Halfbacks:
Finlay Christie
TJ Perenara
Cortez Ratima

First five-eighths:
Damian McKenzie
Beauden Barrett

Midfield:
Jordie Barrett
Rieko Ioane
Anton Lienert-Brown
Billy Proctor

Outside backs:
Caleb Clarke
Emoni Narawa
Stephen Perofeta
Sevu Reece
Mark Tele’a