All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has announced his 36 man squad for the upcoming Lipovitan D Rugby Championship tournament.
A couple of players have not been selected from the recent squad in the England and Fiji tests which include Chiefs winger and speedster Emoni Narawa.
Narawa had only featured in the hit up against Fiji and came off the bench in what was a comfortable win by the men in black. Taking over his outside back spot is Hurricanes fullback and uncapped All Black Rueben Love.
Love joins veteran flanker Sam Cane, outside back Will Jordan and versatile midfielder David Havili as the four players named for the Rugby Championship, who did not feature during the first three Tests of the season.
Cane and Jordan return to the All Blacks after recovering from respective back and shoulder injuries that made them unavailable for the first three Tests of 2024. Cane bolsters the loose forward stocks to seven for what will be a testing series, starting with back-to-back home Tests against Argentina at Sky Stadium in Wellington and Eden Park in Auckland.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said:
“It was a tough squad to select because everyone had their opportunities. Continuity is important, but it’s also important to reward performance.
“It will be a special moment for Ruben being selected for the first time. He’s worked hard in the background and will be ready when his opportunity comes.”
2024 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Schedule:
Saturday 10 August
All Blacks vs Argentina, 7.05PM (NZST), Sky Stadium, WELLINGTON
Saturday 17 August
All Blacks vs Argentina, 7.05PM (NZST), Eden Park, AUCKLAND
Sunday 01 September
All Blacks vs South Africa, 3.00AM (NZST), Emirates Airline Park, JOHANNESBURG
Sunday 08 September
All Blacks v South Africa, 3.00AM (NZST), DHL Stadium, CAPE TOWN
Saturday 21 September
All Blacks v Australia, 5.45PM (NZST), Accor Stadium, SYDNEY
Saturday 28 September
All Blacks v Australia, 7.05PM (NZST), Sky Stadium, WELLINGTON
