Scott Barrett to lead New Zealand against England and Fiji
Scott Barrett was part of the All Blacks side that clinched the World Cup in 2015 and represented them in the 2019 and 2023 editions as well
©Steve Haag
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has confirmed a 32-man squad for the upcoming Tests against England and Fiji.
Robertson has named five debutants in the squad with Chiefs back-row Wallace Sititi part of it. He will be followed by George Bell, Pasilio Tosi, Cortez Ratima and Billy Proctor as they look to make a mark.
The squad will be captained by veteran lock Scott Barrett, who will replace Sam Cane while Jordie and Ardie Savea are named the vice-captains.
There is no place for Blues No. 8 Hoskins Sotutu despite his impressive performance in the recently concluded season which saw his side clinch the Super Rugby Pacific title while Blues playmaker Harry Plummer was also left out with Stephen Perofeta preferred as back up for Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.
"There are some great leaders in our group, but having that existing connection to Scott was important," Robertson said.
"He's tactically astute, he leads from the front, and he's got the respect of the players and coaches. 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 two game Test series between New Zealand and England will be played on 6th and 13th July in Dunedin and Auckland respectively. They will also be facing Fiji in a one-off clash in San Diego on 20th July.
New Zealand squad:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa'i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a
