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ESPN staff
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has included uncapped Blues back-rower Dalton Papali’i among a 32-man squad for the five-Test tour of Japan and Europe.
Papali’I has been rewarded for a stellar Mitre 10 Cup season with a rejuvenated Auckland side who will contest a semifinal against Wellington this weekend. The back-rower gets his chance due to injuries to Sam Cane and the unavailability of fellow loose forwards Shannon Frizell and Jordan Taufua.
As well as the 32-man squad that will prepare to face the Wallabies in Yokohoma on October 27, an additional 19 players will join the group to prepare for a Test against the Rugby World Cup hosts seven days later. There are seven uncapped players among the 19 additions.
Those additional 19 players will allow the All Blacks to send a group of 22 up to London for an extra few days’ preparation for their much-anticipated Test with England at Twickenham on November 10.
While the absence of Cane and Frizell is a blow, the world champions have welcomed back the likes of Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Joe Moody and Liam Squire from various injury ailments.
“We congratulate Dalton on being named in the 32-man squad for the tour,” Hansen said. “He has played outstanding rugby this year and deserves his opportunity.”
“We also congratulate those new All Blacks named in the wider squad for the Japan Test. All these players and their families can be proud of the hard work, commitment and dedication that has led to this point.”
The world champions round out their tour with Test against Ireland and Italy.
All Blacks’ 32-man squad
Forwards: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick,Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Vaea Fifita, Dalton Papalii, Kieran Read, Ardie Sav, Liam Squire, Matt Todd.
Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith.
Nineteen players for Japan Test
Asafo Aumua, Liam Coltman, Tyrel Lomax, Tim Perry, Angus Ta’avao, Luke Romano, Jackson Hemopo, Gareth Evans, Dillon Hunt, Luke Whitelock, Mitchell Drummond, Bryn Hall, Brett Cameron, Ngani Laumape, Matt Proctor, George Bridge, David Havili, Nehe Milner-Skudder.