Auckland: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen named six uncapped players in a 32-man squad for the home Test series against France yesterday as he continued to explore his options ahead of their World Cup defence in 2015.
Auckland Blues trio Charles Piutau, Francis Saili and powerful flanker Steven Luatua joined Waikato Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki, Wellington Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush and Canterbury Crusader Matt Todd in winning first call ups yesterday.
The six deservedly earn their places in a strong squad - led by captain Kieran Read - after a number of standout displays in Super Rugby this season.
“We have looked to take the opportunity to introduce six new players and the selectors would like to congratulate those young men on being selected,” Hansen said in a statement.
“That means we have introduced 15 new players to our environment in the last 12 months thus accomplishing one of our goals of having a mixture of experience and enthusiastic new faces.
“It’s now about consolidating and narrowing our focus for this three-match test series against what ill be a very good French side. They are a team never to be underestimated.”
Todd is labelled an ‘injury replacement’ in the 32 as his Crusaders team mate Sam Whitelock has a broken finger and will miss the first two Tests on June 8 and 15 but is expected to be fit for the third on June 22. REUTERS
