All Blacks axe five from squad ahead of Bledisloe Cup

The All Blacks have named a 34-man squad to face the Wallabies in their next two Tests, with five players that were part of the initial group missing out.

Shannon Frizell was the surprise omission after starting at blindside for the national team in their most recent Test match against South Africa.

Prop Karl Tu’inukuafe is another big name not to make it having been the feel-good story of 2018 after coming from relative obscurity to start for New Zealand.

“It’s not that he’s (Tu’inukuafe) done anything wrong,” head coach Steve Hansen told reporters. “It’s just that we have said we want mobile ball playing props that can also do their core roles, and we have been (watching) Atu Moli for quite some time.

“Apart from when he got that nasty injury that kept him out, which was Karl’s opportunity. We are still pretty keen on Atu.”

The other three to be cut are Asafo Aumua, Dalton Papali’i and Josh Ioane as their preparations continue ahead of the Bledisloe Cup and World Cup.

“The Bledisloe Cup is the second most important trophy for us, after the Rugby World Cup, and we’re really looking forward to the next two Tests coming up,” Hansen added. “Two weeks together will give us solid preparation towards growing our game understanding and getting our execution honed, so that’s exciting.

“The last time the All Blacks played in Perth was way back in 1992 (against a Western Australia side) but this will be an historic first Test for us in the city, so we’re also looking forward to catching up with our fans over there.”

Forwards: Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Jackson Hemopo, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Luke Jacobson, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd

Backs: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Braydon Ennor, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith