WELLINGTON: New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has included uncapped lock Patrick Tuipulotu and centre Malakai Fekitoa in his 31-man squad for the three-test series against England, which starts next week.
Scrumhalf TJ Perenara is a third player hoping to make his debut in tests in Auckland, Dunedin and Hamilton over the next three weeks, although he was involved in the national set-up last year.
There were also recalls for loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Victor Vito but flyhalf Dan Carter was not considered as he continues his sabbatical.
Tuipulotu’s call-up came after test second row Luke Romano was ruled out of the rest of the Super Rugby season when he suffered a lower leg injury last month.
At 1.98m and 121 kgs, the hulking 21-year-old Tuipulotu has proved more than a handful for Super Rugby defences in some impressive outings for the Auckland Blues this season.
Livewire Tongan-born centre Fekitoa, who turned 22 last month, is an equally powerful threat and has scored six tries for the Otago Highlanders this season.
“It’s an exciting time for them and their families and they can be rightly proud of their selection. They have worked hard for it,” Hansen said in a news release.
“We would also like to congratulate Jerome and Victor, who are returning after an absence from the group.”REUTERS
