Savea new All Blacks captain as Fineanganofo in squad

Ardie Savea has been made the All Blacks captain in coach Dave Rennie’s first squad announcement.

The 32-year-old takes over from Scott Barrett, who skippered the side during Scott Robertson’s tenure, but has been sidelined with back surgery.

“I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be – from the leadership, to the players and wider staff,” said loose-forward Savea.

“A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation. And we are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months.”

Uncapped wing Fehi Fineanganofo, who scored the 17th try of his Super Rugby campaign at the weekend as the Hurricanes lifted the title with a final victory over the Chiefs, is also named in the 34-strong group for this summer’s Nations Championship action.

The 23-year-old’s move to Newcastle Red Bulls next season, which was announced in January, has been cast into doubt with the suggestion the player could buy himself out of the deal now his form has carried him into contention for Test rugby and a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand only pick domestic-based players, unless they are on an approved sabbatical stint at an overseas club, and Fineanganofo’s proposed Newcastle switch is an independent move.

“I think that’s the process that he’s going through, but what we know is he’s contracted here ’til November,” said Rennie when asked about the player’s long-term eligibility.

“His form has been irresistible, and we’re keen to name him. So, yeah, I guess he’ll work through that in time.”

Rieko Ioane, who has reached the end of a six-month sabbatical with Leinster, was the highest-profile omission.

However, Rennie suggested the versatile 29-year-old could be back involved when New Zealand’s ‘Greatest Rivalry’ tour of South Africa, which begins in August and will involve a larger squad.

The All Blacks kick off their Nations Championship campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July, before matches against Italy and Ireland on the following weekends.

France were criticised by some in New Zealand for resting their stars and sending a second-string side to tour the country last summer.

But it appears coach Fabien Galthie is planning to travel with a stronger selection this year.

Bordeaux-Begles trio Matthieu Jalibert, Maxime Lucu and Damien Penaud have been called into France’s preparations over the weekend, while it is reported by L’Equipe that scrum-half Antoine Dupont, the side’s regular skipper, will join up after Toulouse’s Top 14 final against Montpellier on Saturday.

Forwards: Aumua, Taylor, Taukei’aho, De Groot, Bower, Numia, Lomax, Newell, Tosi, Vaa’i, Tuipulotu, Lord, Darry, Lakai, Parker, Savea (capt), Sititi, Jacobson, Segner.

Backs: Roigard, Ratima, Preston, Love, Barrett, McKenzie, Barrett, Tupaea, Proctor, Lienert-Brown, Clarke, Fineanganofo, Carter, Moorby, Jordan.