All Black Captain Kieran Reid to miss Argentina trip

The All Blacks squad to travel to Argentina and South Africa has been announced, with All Blacks Captain Kieran Read to skip the trip to Argentina.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “We always had a plan to manage Kieran’s long-haul travel this year, following his return to rugby after back surgery, so he’ll miss the trip to Argentina and re-join the squad in South Africa for the Test against the Springboks.” 

Loose forward Vaea Fifita will travel with the All Blacks to Argentina in his place and return to New Zealand following the Test against the Pumas. Midfielder Ngani Laumape, who was called in as injury cover earlier in the Rugby Championship, will also stay in New Zealand. Dane Coles, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick and Liam Squire will also stay to continue their injury rehabilitation programmes. 

Forwards: Liam Coltman, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Time Perry, Angus Ta’avao, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Kieran Read (South Africa only), Ardie Savea, Luke Whitelock