Scott Barrett will captain New Zealand in their two-Test series against England as Scott Robertson named his first squad as All Blacks head coach.
Barrett has been chosen ahead of 2023 world player of the year Ardie Savea on the strength of his time playing under Robertson at the Crusaders, who won seven successive Super Rugby titles with the duo present.
The 30-year-old second row will be assisted by Savea and his younger brother Jordie Barrett following their selection as vice-captains.
“There are some great leaders in our group, but having that existing connection to Scott was important,” said Robertson, who appointed Barrett as Crusaders skipper in 2020.
“He’s tactically astute, he leads from the front and he’s got the respect of the players and coaches.
“Leadership is a shared responsibility and Ardie, Jordie and our wider leadership group will be crucial to how we come together and connect ahead of the first Test against England.”
New Zealand are missing several mainstays of recent years with Richie Mo’unga, Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizell playing in Japan.
Aaron Smith announced his international retirement after last autumn’s World Cup while Sam Whitelock, the All Blacks’ most-capped player with 153 appearances, hung up his boots after the Barbarians’ victory over Fiji on Sunday.
Sam Cane led New Zealand at France 2023 – he was sent off in the defeat by South Africa in the final – but he is unavailable because of a back injury. Wing Will Jordan is out with a shoulder issue.
Five uncapped players – hooker George Bell, prop Pasilio Tosi, back row Wallace Sititi, scrum-half Cortez Ratima and centre Billy Proctor – have been chosen in the 32-man squad to face England in Dunedin on Saturday week and at Auckland’s Eden Park seven days later.
“It’s a proud moment for them and their families. They’ve earned their places through performance and consistency and it’s an exciting time in their careers,” Robertson said.
“As coaches, we will get them ready so they can take their opportunity when it comes.”
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 24, 2024
New Zealand squad for July Tests
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell*, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi*, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett (Captain), Tupou Vaa'i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi*
Backs: Finlay Christie, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima*, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor*, Caleb Clarke, Emoni Narawa, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a
* Denotes uncapped player