The key facts

  • Leicester Fainga'anuku has been named to the national squad under Dave Rennie for the first time — now as a loose forward rather than a winger
  • Hooker Codie Taylor has been appointed captain in place of the injured Ardie Savea
  • Around a dozen players, including Ruben Love and Caleb Clarke, will miss the tour due to injuries

Return from injury and a change of position

New Zealand rugby head coach Dave Rennie announced the squad for the northern tour on Tuesday, and one of the main storylines was the return of Leicester Fainga'anuku — now in a new role. The player, previously known as a winger, has been named among the loose forwards. This is reported by AFP.

Context of the return

Fainga'anuku broke his leg and injured his ankle at the end of the Canterbury Crusaders' Super Rugby season, and has therefore not yet played for New Zealand under Rennie. The position change actually happened during the club season: under Rob Penney he played in the forwards, where, according to AFP, he caused problems at the breakdowns while retaining his destructive running with the ball. Rennie spoke highly of the new squad members, noting their 'fantastic form' in domestic rugby: 'They bring a lot of quality and experience to the group,' the agency quotes him as saying.

Who is missing and what lies ahead

The squad has been noticeably hit by injuries: captain Ardie Savea is out, and hooker Codie Taylor has taken over his role. Also unavailable are fly-half Ruben Love — his absence gives Richie Mo'unga more time to return to international rugby — as well as Samisoni Taukei'aho, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax, Leroy Carter, Luke Jacobson, Caleb Clarke and Ollie Norris.

Tour schedule

The All Blacks will face Scotland, Wales and England on three consecutive weekends. 'It is a tough assignment. They are all proud rugby nations with passionate home crowds. We will embrace the challenge and the opportunity to build on our Rugby Championship performances,' Rennie said. The squad includes, among others, Scott and Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane and Ethan Blackadder.