Ian Foster has named six new players in his 38-man squad to face Ireland in a three match series next month.
Now, prop Aidan Ross, loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula, halfback Folau Fakatava, first-five Stephen Perofeta, midfielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and outside back Leicester Fainga’anuku are the contenders to become All Black No 1200 in the July series against Ireland.
Here’s all you need to know about the new players.
We profile the six who will vie for their first All Blacks jersey next month:
Leicester Fainga’anuku
Born: October 11, 1999 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Age: 22
Physical: 1.88m, 109kg
Province: Tasman. Super Rugby team: Crusaders
Folau Fakatava
Born: December 16, 1999 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Age: 22
Physical: 1.77m, 80kg
Province: Hawke’s Bay. Super Rugby team: Highlanders
Stephen Perofeta
Born: March 12, 1997 in Whanganui. Age: 25
Physical: 1.81m, 85kg
Province: Taranaki. Super Rugby team: Blues
Aidan Ross
Born: October 25, 1995 in Sydney, Australia. Age: 26
Physical: 1.89m, 111kg
Province: Bay of Plenty. Super Rugby team: Chiefs
Born across the Tasman, Ross also qualifies to represent Scotland through his grandfather.
Pita Gus Sowakula
Born: October 26, 1994 in Lautoka, Fiji. Age: 27
Physical: 1.95m, 110kg
Province: Taranaki. Super Rugby team: Chiefs
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Born: June 5, 1993 in Apia, Samoa. Age: 29
Physical: 1.82m, 96kg
Province: Auckland. Super Rugby team: Blues