TOUR NEWS:NEW ZEALAND coach Graham Henry had one eye on the future when he named rising stars Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg and Victor Vito in his squad for Tests against Ireland and Wales next month. Although an ever-growing injury list hampered the All Blacks selectors, the uncapped trio's selection was a nod to the future with the World Cup about 15 months away.
Vito has stood out for Wellington and the Hurricanes in the past two seasons. Always a powerful runner with the ball in hand and a good option in the lineout, he has improved his work in the tight and at the breakdown. Team-mate Cruden (21) was a key reason behind the Hurricanes’ resurgence in the second half of the Super 14. Highlanders fullback Dagg has impressed the selectors with his high skill level.
NEW ZEALAND MAORI (squad for matches against NZ Barbarians, Ireland and England): Forwards: Ben Afeaki (North Harbour), Colin Bourke (Bay of Plenty), Dane Coles (Wellington), Jacob Ellison (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Romana Graham (Waikato), Jason Hoeata (Taranaki), Tanerau Latimer (Bay of Plenty), Karl Lowe (Hawke’s Bay), Liam Messam (Waikato, captain), Bronson Murray (Northland), Clint Newland (Hawke’s Bay), Daniel Ramsay (Wellington), Isaac Ross (Canterbury), Hayden Triggs (Otago).
Backs: Stephen Brett (Canterbury), Hosea Gear (Wellington), Sean Maitland (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Willie Ripia (Taranaki), Robbie Robinson (Southland), Aaron Smith (Manawatu), Chris Smylie (North Harbour), Dwayne Sweeney (Waikato), Andre Taylor (Manawatu), Jackson Willison (Waikato).
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