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All Blacks coach talks 2021 squad after four new faces named

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 22 Jun 2021, 8:04AM
(Photo / Photosport)
(Photo / Photosport)

All Blacks coach talks 2021 squad after four new faces named

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 22 Jun 2021, 8:04AM

A halfback long on the All Blacks selection shortlist has cracked the squad.

Finlay Christie is one of four maiden picks in the 36-man group for tests against Tonga and Fiji.

He joins prop Ethan de Groot, loose forward Ethan Blackadder and midfielder Quinn Tupaea.

Coach Ian Foster says Christie's work for the Blues impressed in Super Rugby.

“He’s got a lot of energy to him, he plays well, we’ve been looking at him for a couple of years but felt he lifted his game this year. He’s going to have to lift it again, but we felt he deserved an opportunity.”

Prop George Bower was part of the side last year, but never gained a cap.

David Havili, Angus Ta'avao, Luke Jacobson and Braydon Ennor all return after absences.

Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick are back after stints in Japan.

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