All Blacks XV: Josh Ioane one of six players added to squad ahead of Ireland A and Barbarians games
The All Blacks XV have brought in six additional players as they look to combat injuries and call-ups to the senior squad ahead of their tour opener.
Led by head coach Leon MacDonald, with Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen his assistants, the team take on Ireland A and the Barbarians in November.
They begin against the Irish at the RDS Arena on Friday, November 4 before facing the Baa-baas at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, November 13.
Six players called in
Joining up with the touring squad in Auckland is Cortez Ratima, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane, Tyrone Thompson and Tevita Mafileo.
The call-ups arrive due to hooker George Bell, fly-half Bryn Gatland and props Oli Jager and Angus Ta’avao being unavailable due to injury problems.
Original squad members Asafo Aumua, Damian McKenzie, Mark Telea, Patrick Tuipulotu and Brad Weber were recently promoted to the All Blacks.
However, it’s been revealed these players may re-join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland, with decisions made after Saturday’s Japan v New Zealand game.
Senior players in the All Blacks XV squad include scrum-half TJ Perenara, wing/centre Bryce Heem, number eight Luke Jacobson and lock Josh Dickson.
Fresh from his side’s NPC title win, in-form Wellington full-back Ruben Love will be keen to impress while Ioane is set to be the starting fly-half on tour.
Other reliable performers include Chiefs centre Alex Nankivell who could start with Moana Pasifika back Levi Aumua, who is a controversial selection.
All Blacks XV 25-man squad
Forwards: Finlay Brewis, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Aidan Ross, Tamaiti Williams, Tevita Mafileo, Brodie McAlister, Tyrone Thompson, Josh Dickson, Zach Gallagher, Dominic Gardiner, Billy Harmon, Luke Jacobson, Christian Lio-Willie, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u
Backs: TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Cam Roigard, Josh Ioane, Levi Aumua, Bryce Heem, Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan, AJ Lam, Ruben Love, Shaun Stevenson
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