Vaea Fifita left out of All Blacks as Steve Hansen searches for ways to rebuild his confidence

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen wants Vaea Fifita to apply the jumper leads to his confidence levels by getting regular starts at No.6 for Wellington.

Fifita was a notable omission from the 33‑man All Blacks squad named for the Rugby Championship today, with the selectors opting to include Liam Squire, Jackson Hemopo and Luke Whitelock as men who can operate at blindside flanker.

Although Hansen suggested the athletic Fifita, who has made seven test appearances for the All Blacks since his debut against Samoa in Auckland a year ago, remained a genuine option ahead of the tour of Japan and Europe later in the year he said the Hurricanes forward needed to build his self‑belief by playing in the Mitre 10 Cup.

For starters, Hansen reckons Fifita, who was used at lock for the Hurricanes, is better suited at No 6.

The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies at 10.05pm next Saturday.

[Source:Stuff.co]

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