Savea named captain in Rennie's first All Black squad

Ardie Savea has been unveiled as the All Blacks captain in the first squad under new coach Dave Rennie.

Savea will lead a team which includes four newcomers in Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia, Blues loose forward Anton Segner, Hurricanes wing duo Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby.

Uncapped Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah has also been named as injury cover for Tupou Vaa'i.

Prop Ethan de Groot was the only Highlander to feature in the 34-man squad, while Otago prop George Bower was also included.

Highlanders lock Fabian Holland is one of several players unavailable, as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in the Super Rugby preseason.

Incumbent captain Scott Barrett, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Tamaiti Williams were also on the unavailable list.

There was no room for Rieko Ioane, who has been playing for Leinster in Ireland on a sabbatical.

Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor were preferred in the midfield, as was star second five Jordie Barrett.

On the wings Fineanganofo and Moorby got the nod over him, as did last year's duo of Leroy Carter and Caleb Clarke.

In the loose forwards there was no room for Du'Plessis Kirifi, as Segner and Savea were joined by Peter Lakai and Chiefs trio Luke Jacobson, Simon Parker and Wallace Sititi.

At halfback Kyle Preston joins Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima, being preferred over Crusaders team-mate Noah Hotham.

Rennie said he was happy with the squad, which will be used for the first three tests of the year next month.

"We are rapt with this squad – players with the ability to bar up to the demands of test footy but also play with optimism and brutality," he said.

"We look forward to connecting on Wednesday in preparation for three big tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

"Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. These men have each had an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserve their place in the squad. It will be a massively proud time for their families, friends and team mates.

"Congratulations also to our new All Blacks captain, Ardie Savea, who we know will do an outstanding job of leading this team on and off-field. Ardie is highly respected by his team-mates and cares deeply about the black jersey."

Savea said it was an honour to be made captain.

"To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport," Savea said.

"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.

"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.

"We pay tribute to those who have gone before us while also acknowledging that the responsibility of writing the next chapter in the All Blacks story lies with us. Let’s get to work.

"A special thank you to my wife Saskia and our three children Kobe, Keeon and Kove. The same to our parents, our extended family and friends. We are blessed to have a ‘village’ that walks alongside us."

The All Blacks open their campaign against France in Christchurch on July 4.

That is followed by matches against Italy and Ireland on the next two Saturdays, in Wellington and Auckland respectively.

A 44-man squad is expected to be chosen for the tour South Africa in August and September.

All Blacks squad

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho

Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia*, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry

Loose forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (captain), Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner*

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston

First five-eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown

Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo*, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby*, Will Jordan

Injury cover: Jamie Hannah*

Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Leicester Fainga’anuku

*Uncapped players.

- Allied Media