All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has explained why he favoured Wallace Sititi over Hoskins Sotutu, while also explaining his decision to hand the captaincy to Scott Barrett.
Scott Barrett has been named as the new All Blacks captain, with a 32-strong squad including five uncapped players announced ahead of the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series.
Senior All Blacks Scott Barrett and Codie Taylor have extended their commitment to New Zealand Rugby through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
All Blacks lock Scott Barrett said the nature of their consecutive losses to South Africa and France differed, but a lack of determination was not an issue in either game.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen was a happy man after talisman Scott Barrett was cleared of any further sanction following his red card against South Africa.
All Blacks lock Scott Barrett will be free to face France in the Rugby World Cup opener at the Stade de France on September 8.