(Reuters) – Fullback Ruben Love has received his first All Blacks call-up while captain Scott Barrett was included in the 36-man squad for the Rugby Championship despite undergoing surgery on an injured finger.
Lock Josh Lord has been included as injury cover for Barrett, the All Blacks said on Sunday.
Loose forward Sam Cane, who has played 95 tests, returns to the squad after missing matches against England and Fiji earlier this month, along with midfielder David Havili and outside back Will Jordan.
“Sam Cane, Will and David bring a lot of experience and leadership to the group,” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said in a statement.
“It will be a special moment for Ruben being selected for the first time. He’s worked hard in the background and will be ready when his opportunity comes.”
New Zealand begin their Rugby Championship title defence with two home matches against Argentina on Aug. 10 and Aug. 17, before travelling to South Africa for two matches against the Springboks on Aug. 31 and Sep. 7.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Ethan Blackadder, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Noah Hotham, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko loane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Ruben Love, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
