New Zealand teams named for Brisbane Tens

The New Zealand Super Rugby teams have all named their squads today for the upcoming Brisbane Global Rugby Tens tournament.

Fitness and mobility around the field will be key to going deep in this tournament; as such all teams have named some dynamic players, including Vaea Fifita (above) for the Hurricanes and a group of up and coming players who are set to feature in Super Rugby this year for the first time.

The squads are:

Blues:

Josh Goodhue, Hapakuki Moala-Liava’a, Tom Robinson, Sam Prattley (Co-Captain), Kara Pryor, Marcel Renata, Brandon Nansen, Joe Royal, Scott Scrafton, Murphy Taramai, Ambrose Curtis, Matt Duffie, Pasqualle Dunn, Billy Guyton, George Moala, Sam Nock, Declan O’Donnell, Stephen Perofeta, Rene Ranger, Jordan Trainor, Matt Vaega.

Chiefs:

Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Liam Polwart, Atu Moli, Sam Caird, Fin Hoeata, Liam Messam, Sosefo Kautai
Taleni Seu, Mitchell Brown, Luke Jacobson, Lachlan Boshier, Hika Elliot, Mitchell Graham, Brad Weber, Joe Ravouvou, Finlay Christie, Tim Nanai-Williams, Sheldon Tovio, Sevu Reece, Jonathan Taumateine, Shaun Stevenson, Solomon Alaimalo, Alex Nankivell, Dwayne Sweeney, Luteru Laulala, Latu Vaeno

Crusaders:

Bryn Hall, Ben Funnell, Leon Fukofuka, Andrew Makalio, Mitchell Hunt, Tim Perry, Digby IoaneChris Gawler, George Bridge, Michael Alaalatoa, Sione Fifita, Oliver Jager, David Havili, Mitchell Dunshea, Tim Bateman, Quinten Strange, Jack Goodhue, Pete Samu, Seta Tamanivalu, Jordan Taufua, Manasa Mataele, Jed Brown, Sean Wainui, Whetu Douglas, Marty McKenzie

Highlanders:

Aki Seiuli, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Greg Pleasants-Tate, Liam Coltman, Josh Dickson, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, James Lentjes, Craig Millar, Dillon Hunt, Gareth Evans, Adrian Smith, Luke Whitelock (C), Kayne Hammington, Josh Renton, Fletcher Smith, Tei Walden, Rob Thompson, Jason Emery, Tevita Li, Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson, Marty Banks.

Hurricanes:

Reg Goodes, Loni Uhila, Ricky Riccitelli, Asafo Aumua, Chris Eves, Mike Kainga, Joe Apikotoa, Vaea Fifita, Mark Abbott, James Blackwell, Brad Shields, Reed Prinsep, Toa Halafihi, Hugh Renton, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Kemera Hauiti-Parapara, Otere Black, Vince Aso, Matt Proctor, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Ngani Laumape, Jonah Lowe, Cory Jane, Jordie Barrett, Nehe Milner-Skudder.

The Brisbane Global Rugby Tens features all ten professional franchises from Australia and New Zealand, along with French powerhouse Toulon, Japanese Top League side Panasonic Wild Knights, the Blue Bulls from South Africa and the Samoan national team.  The tournament takes place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on February 11 and 12.

Former All Black Cory Jane has being named in a 26-strong Hurricanes team. Just back from a season in Japan, the 53-test veteran will join 2015 Rugby World Cup hero Nehe Milner-Skudder and All Blacks end of year tour members Fifita and Jordie Barrett.

All Black Seta Tamanivalu and fellow international Digby Ioane have been named in the Crusaders squad, while Israel Dagg will travel with the group in his tournament ambassador role, but not take the field. All Black Luke Romano would have been named in the squad but has unfortunately been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.  The remainder of the squad is a mix of new talent who will be keen to shine at the tournament, and highly experienced players who will bring vital knowledge and match experience to the group.
 
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said the chance to play in a well-attended tournament in the pre-season would be great preparation for the Super Rugby season ahead.

“It is exciting to be involved in a new tournament like this in it’s first year, and getting to play in front of a noisy crowd is also valuable preparation in the pre-season.  We are looking forward to fielding a really strong squad at the Tens and showcasing what we’re capable of.  We have some tough competition, so it will be a really good test of where we are at before the Super season starts,” Robertson said.
 
There is a lot of speed and guile in the Highlanders backs with the likes of Tevita Li, Matt Faddes and Jason Emery while the forwards possess strength and pace in the form of loose forwards Gareth Evans, James Lentjes and Luke Whitelock, who will captain the side. All Black hooker Liam Coltman has been released to play by NZ Rugby and is included in the squad.