Tavatavanawai in 'hell of' an All Blacks squad

Timoci Tavatavanawai was one of five uncapped players named in the All Blacks squad on June 23 for the July Series against France, with the Fiji-born centre earning his first Test call-up at the age of 27 after a superb Super Rugby season.

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WELLINGTON - Timoci Tavatavanawai was one of five uncapped players named in the All Blacks squad on June 23 for the July Series against France, with the Fiji-born centre earning his first Test call-up at the age of 27 after a superb Super Rugby season.

Tavatavanawai's power and pace, along with his ability to turn the ball over at the breakdown, earned him a place in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific dream team but he might find it tougher to break into the New Zealand midfield.

Coach Scott Robertson has brought Jordie Barrett straight back into his squad after a sabbatical in Ireland with Leinster, and also recalled powerhouse Quinn Tupaea after three injury-blighted seasons.

"It's always a challenge to pick the best players in the country," he said.

"You look through the whole season, you look for reliability, the ability to keep turning up, their skill sets under pressure, how they complement the group.

"It's a hell of a team."