Young AB team named for midweek game

...ABs with a midweek game against a French XV in a game included in the northern tour schedule at the ABs request, as NZ try to build depth and experience heading into the 2019 RWC. Luke Whitelock to captain the team in a match that does not carry test match status so no caps will be awarded 60 000 expected to turn up all the same..
All  Blacks: David Havili, Matt Duffie, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Seta Tamanivalu, Lima Sopoaga, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Luke Whitelock, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Dominic Bird, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Nathan Harris, Tim Perry.Bench: Asafo Aumua, Atu Moli,  Ofa Tu'ungafasi,  Scott Barrett, Akira Ioane, Dillon Hunt, Mitch Drummond, Richie Mo'unga

 Pretty solid side. Shows NZ depth atm is arguably strongest in the world. Good to see my boy Jeffery Toomaga Allen get a start. We actually go to the same Church LOL. In Wellington. Be exciting see Asafo get more game time. 
Amazing how Brad Shields struggles to fit in this picture. But Luke Whitelock does. 

 ...TKB is the odd man out if they're talking about building depth - he's signed a three year contract with La Rochelle to join Victor Vito there...La Rochelle the top French club and also doing famously in the Europeans Champions Cup so a great choice of club..
Asofa Aumua looking to get a lot busier as well for the ABs and Canes with Dane Coles out for the next six months after rupturing his ACL...

 Yeah Ricky Ricteteli well be the regular starter for my Canes next season early on in the season. Asofa backing up on the bench. Big blow for the Canes. I felt Canes missed Coles last season. And they well earlier on too.