Hoskins Sotutu receives blunt message about European tour ‘expectation’ after All Blacks snub

November should not be a time for sulking for those selected in the All Blacks XV squad, according to head coach Clayton McMillan.

The second-string side will take on Munster and Georgia next month, at the same time the New Zealand first team will be on their northern hemisphere tour.

McMillan’s men face the Irish province on November 2 in a game which kicks off not long after the All Blacks’ huge match against England at Twickenham has finished.

Overlooked by new boss

Some All Blacks XV players will also be involved in the preparation for New Zealand’s Test against Japan and Hoskins Sotutu will hope to be one of those.

The number eight was a surprise omission in Scott Robertson’s first squad of the year and has not featured since.

Sotutu does, however, get a chance to stake his claim for a spot in future sides having been named in the 29-man All Blacks XV group.

They are being led by Chiefs boss McMillan, who has urged all the players, including the Blues star, to put their disappointment of missing out on the main squad to one side and produce their best.

“Embrace the opportunity to really showcase your talent on that international stage, and state a case for inclusion at the next level when that opportunity arises,” he told reporters.

“Looking at this team, we’ve got an abundance of talent and a lot of really good rugby players have missed out.

“The loose forwards in particular is an area where we seem to be blessed with a hell of a lot of good rugby players.

“It’s fantastic that he (Sotutu) gets this opportunity, he was a great performer in Super Rugby. I’ve been impressed with how he’s been going over the last month or so with Counties.

“I’m happy for him, the expectation is really he’s got to embrace this opportunity.”

Snubbed Blues star one of 10 internationals included in All Blacks XV squad for European tour

Test experience

There are 10 internationals included in what is a talented and experienced All Blacks XV squad.

Among those selected is Finlay Christie, Josh Lord, Noah Hotham, Harry Plummer and Emoni Narawa, who have all had Test experience in 2024, but Sotutu is the most significant name.

The back-rower starred as the Blues claimed the Super Rugby Pacific title earlier this year, but youngster Wallace Sititi was chosen ahead of him.

Sititi justified his inclusion with some stunning displays at the back end of the Rugby Championship, but Sotutu could put pressure on both him and Ardie Savea by impressing for the second-string outfit.

“If I’m a player sitting out there and I’ve just been selected, selection in this team should be an indication that the All Blacks coaches certainly [think] you’re in the equation,” McMillan added.

“It’s about embracing the opportunity now, finishing off their NPC campaigns, and then when they come to us, create a new energy.”

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