All Blacks blood three new caps against France

All Blacks coach Steven Hansen included three uncapped players in his All Blacks squad to play France, but there is no place for Hurricanes winger Ben Lam, who is the leading try scorer in this season’s Super Rugby.

Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock leads the All Blacks in the enforced absence of Kieran Read. Sam Cane and Ben Smith were named as vice captains.

Hansen has been loyal to the wingers who played for the All Blacks in 2017.

He has picked Crusaders loose-forward Jordan Taufua and Highlanders flanker Shannon Frizell, while Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is the third scrumhalf in the squad.

All Blacks

Backs: Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith (vc), Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith.

Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Jordan Taufua, Sam Cane (vc), Vaea Fifita, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (c), Owen Franks, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Jeff To’omaga-Allen, Tim Perry, Joe Moody, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor.