Ardie Savea has been named All Blacks captain, as head coach Dave Rennie revealed his first squad at Feilding Yellows Rugby Club on Monday.
Savea said he will be drawing on the leadership from those around him, and those who have come before, to inspire and ground him.
“To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport,” he 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.
“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.”
Savea thanked his wife, Saskia, and their children – Kobe, Keeon and Kove – as well as parents and extended family and friends.
“We are blessed to have a ‘village’ that walks alongside us.”
Rennie said they know Savea will do an outstanding job of leading the team on and off-field.
“Ardie is highly respected by his team-mates and cares deeply about the black jersey.”
Other players with Pasifika heritage named in the All Blacks include Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, and Quinn Tupaea.
Xavier Numia, Anton Segner, Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby are the debutants.
Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland and Leicester Fainga’anuku were unavailable due to injury.
The All Blacks’ first game of the season is against France on 4 July.
