Naholo named in All Blacks 33-men squad

Waisake Naholo has been named in the All Blacks 33‑men squad

that will play against France in a three match test series next month.                             

Coach Steve Hansen has named Sam Whitelock as the captain of the team in the absence of Kieran Read.

Hansen has named the strongest available sqaud, featuring many experienced players to face the eighth‑ranked side in the world.

Hansen says the leadership group is really strong and they have got a number of franchise leaders in the team.

Sam Cane and Ben Smith have been named as vice-captains.

Other players that have been selected are brothers Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett, Ryan Crotty, TJ Pere-nara, Sonny Bill Williams, Ardie Savea, Damian Mckenzie, Reiko Ioane, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith and Luke Whitelock.

Hansen has also named three debutants in the team.

The All Blacks will play the first match against France on the 9th of next month.

All Blacks squad:

Props: Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Jeffery Toomaga‑Allen, Tim Perry

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris

Locks: Sam Whitelock (c), Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett

Loose forwards: Sam Cane (vc), Liam Squire, Jordan Taufua, Ardie Savea, Luke Whitelock, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi

First five‑eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga

Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert‑Brown, Sonny Bill Williams

Outside backs: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner‑Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith (vc)

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