Blues forward Hoskins Sotutu is tackled during their Super Rugby Pacific semi-final against the Brumbies. Photo: photosport
Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two-match northern tour against Munster and Georgia next month. The most notable inclusion is number eight Hoskins Sotutu, who was controversially overlooked for an All Black recall after scoring a competition record 12 tries by a forward during the Blues' championship-winning season.
The 29-strong squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups, with the process led by respective coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan.
It had been rumoured that Sotutu might seek to switch allegiance to Fiji, where he is eligible through his father and former test player Waisake, or England through his mother Adelita. World Rugby switched eligibility rules to a straight three-year stand-down, if a player held a passport for the intended country they wished to represent.
That change meant lock Fabian Holland was immediately eligible, and has been picked in McMillan's squad. Du'Plessis Kirifi and Peter Lakai from Wellington have both been rewarded for strong seasons.
Elsewhere, Sotutu's Blues teammate Harry Plummer will presumably start at first five, with exciting Chiefs prospect Josh Jacomb backing him up.
"Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It's great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons," said McMillan.
The All Blacks XV play Munster on 3 November in Limerick and Georgia in Montpellier on 11 November.
All Blacks XV squad:
Props: Xavier Numia, George Dyer, Saula Ma'u, Marcel Renata, George Bower
Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund, Bradley Slater
Locks: Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Loose Forwards: Du'Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Hoskins Sotutu, Oliver Haig, Christian Lio-Willie
Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Finlay Christie
First five-eighths: Harry Plummer, Josh Jacomb
Mid-fielders: Quinn Tupaea, Riley Higgins, AJ Lam, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Kini Naholo, Emoni Narawa, Chay Fihaki, Shaun Stevenson