All Blacks name two new playersfor International debut against Fiji - Rugby News
All Blacks have named Jarrad Hoeata and Colin Slade in their 22-member squad to make their International test debut against Fiji on July 22, in Carisbrook. The pair has been elevated to the national side after they displayed splendid performances in the
Super Rugby championship, which concluded on Saturday, July 9.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry revealed the news of the inclusion of Hoeata and Slade in All Blacks side on July 20. All Blacks will take on the Pacific Nations side, Fiji, in a charity match to help the earthquake hit people of Christchurch.
Both youngsters have been playing in the Super Rugby format for the past two years and their recent season was good enough to impress the All Blacks’ selectors. Jarrad Hoeata made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Chiefs and later on he joined the Highlanders
for this year’s championship. The lock participated in each game for the Highlanders and proved rock solid in the defending lines.
The other player who will make his International test debut against Fiji, Colin Slade, also played his latest Super Rugby season for the Highlanders. He could participate in only three games during Super Rugby for the derby but played exceptionally well
in those matches.
Making the announcement of the pair into the All Blacks 22-member squad, their head coach Graham Henry said that it will be an ideal opportunity for them to shine in the absence of some senior campaigners. He further said that, “This is an important test
for us. We have got some real competition for places and it's exciting for those players picked and they will keen to put their best foot forward.”
The coach further said Fiji has got a good side so theses players should be careful about the match. He added that we are well aware of what Samoa has done with the Wallabies on July 17. Henry said that, “They were competitive in the recent Pacific Nations
Cup and will bring their unique style so we will have to be clinical in the way we play. You just need to look at how Fiji's Pacific neighbours Samoa played against Australia on the weekend to know that if we underestimate Fiji, we do so at our peril.”
All Blacks will go against the Fijians with following players on Friday July 22:
All Blacks: Mils Muliaina, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw captain, Adam Thomson, Ali Williams, Jarrad Hoeata, Ben Franks, Andrew h**e, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Ben Smith, Dan Carter, Piri Weepu, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, John Afoa, Corey Flynn.
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