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Uncapped Papalii named in All Blacks squad

Auckland loose forward Dalton Papalii could play his first Test for New Zealand later this year.

Published

8 years ago

15th October 2018

Dalton Papalii was the only uncapped player named in a 32-man All Blacks squad for their tour of Japan and Europe, while Matt Todd was also included.

Papalii, the 21-year-old Auckland loose forward, was included with New Zealand missing Sam Cane (neck) and Shannon Frizell and Jordan Taufua unavailable.

Todd, who plays for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan, is part of the squad after being granted an exemption by New Zealand Rugby (NZR).

“We thank the NZR board and Panasonic for supporting the selection of Matt. It’s much appreciated,” All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said.

Todd, a veteran of 14 Tests, is contracted to return to New Zealand with the Crusaders in 2019.

Hooker Dane Coles returns after missing most of 2018, while Brodie Retallick, Liam Squire, Nepo Laulala and Joe Moody are also back.

COACH’S WORD | “We congratulate Dalton on being named in the 32-man squad for the Tour. He has played outstanding rugby this year and deserves his opportunity.

Read more about the #AllBlacks squad for the Vista Northern Tour here https://t.co/WwVZCKV1RU pic.twitter.com/eJ4OzgXqyT

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 15, 2018

The All Blacks face Australia and Japan before heading to Europe, where they will meet England, Ireland and Italy.

New Zealand also named a wider squad of 19 players to prepare for the Test against Japan, including 10 uncapped players.

“We congratulate Dalton on being named in the 32-man squad for the tour. He has played outstanding rugby this year and deserves his opportunity,” Hansen said.

“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.”

New Zealand’s 32-man squad: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, Dane Coles, Ryan Crotty, Vaea Fifita, Owen Franks, Jack Goodhue, Nathan Harris, Rieko Ioane, Nepo Laulala, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Joe Moody, Richie Mo’unga, Waisake Naholo, Dalton Papalii, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Liam Squire, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tuungafasi, Samuel Whitelock, Sonny Bill Williams.

New Zealand’s 19-man squad: Asafo Aumua, George Bridge, Brett Cameron, Liam Coltman, Mitchell Drummond, Gareth Evans, Bryn Hall, David Havili, Jackson Hemopo, Dillon Hunt, Ngani Laumape, Tyrel Lomax, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Reuben O’Neill, Tim Perry, Matt Proctor, Luke Romano, Angus Ta’avao, Luke Whitelock.

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