Mo'unga returns but to miss Scotland test, surprise loose forwards named

Leicester Fainga’anuku will make his All Blacks return on the Northern Tour, named among the loose forwards in Dave Rennie’s 36-strong squad.

The 27-year-old, who has 12 tests to his name in the backline, was one of two additions in the loose forwards, alongside a recall for Crusaders teammate Christian Lio-Willie who last played for the All Blacks against Wales last November.

The pair are among the newcomers or returning faces to the group, with injuries opening the door for others.

Hooker George Bell, tighthead prop Saula Ma’u, lock Jamie Hannah, outside back Chay Fihaki and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown are back in the squad after missing out being an injury replacement in the Bledisloe Cup squad.

First five-eighths Richie Mo’unga and loose forward Ethan Blackadder have been named after missing the Bledisloe Cup with calf injuries – the latter suffering his in warm-ups for the first test in Auckland.

The group head to the UK on Thursday, meeting Scotland on November 8, Wales on November 15 and England on November 22, before the Nations Championship finals in London across the weekend of November 28-30.

Coach Rennie said the upcoming series was a great opportunity for the group to keep building.

“This is a really strong squad we have selected. It’s great to officially welcome George, Saula, Leicester, Christian, Jamie and Chay back into the squad. They have all shown fantastic form during the NPC. We’re also rapt to have eight players who have played a lot of footy for us this year return from injury. They bring a lot of quality and experience to the group,” Rennie said.

“Playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends is a tough assignment. These are all proud rugby nations with passionate home crowds. We will embrace the challenge and the opportunity to build on our Bledisloe Cup performances. We have enjoyed fantastic support at home and away this year and acknowledge the thousands of Kiwis who we know will be setting alarms to watch from the other side of the world,” Rennie said.

All Blacks 36-man squad

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, George Bell

Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Saula Ma’u*.

Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Jamie Hannah, Tupou Vaa’i.

Loose forwards: Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima.

First five-eighths: Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb*.

Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Anton Lienert-Brown.

Outside backs: Rieko Ioane, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.

Unavailable: Samisoni Taukei’aho (calf); Shannon Frizell (knee); Tyrel Lomax (neck); Leroy Carter (ankle); Ruben Love (ankle); Ardie Savea (shoulder); Luke Jacobson (elbow); Caleb Clarke (shoulder); Ollie Norris (knee). Simon Parker (personal reasons).

*denotes new test cap