Page 63 - All Blacks v Lions - First Test

THE ALL BLACKS SQUAD
MATT TODD
LOOSE FORWARD
ISR: Crusaders DOB: 24.03.88 HEIGHT: 1.85m WEIGHT: 103kg CAPS: 8
Mr Consistency and a key part of the Crusaders’ leadership group, performing captaincy duties ably when required. His abilities in the breakdown are superb. Todd played in
his 100th Super Rugby match this year.
TAWERA KERR-BARLOW
HALFBACK
ISR: Chiefs DOB: 15.08.90 HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 89kg CAPS: 25
One of the most resilient players in modern rugby, Kerr-Barlow has repeatedly overcome injuries, showing incredible mental strength. An All Black since 2012, he made his Maori All Blacks debut in 2015 and was involved in Rotorua.
TJ PERENARA
HALFBACK
ISR: Hurricanes DOB: 23.01.92 HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 90kg CAPS: 30
One of the standout players in 2017 Investec Super Rugby, Perenara is hungry for more opportunities at international level after regular Tests
last year. He was a World Champion with NZ U20 in 2011 and the All Blacks in 2015.
AARON SMITH
HALFBACK
ISR: Highlanders DOB: 21.11.88 HEIGHT: 1.71m WEIGHT: 183kg CAPS: 59
One of the premier halfbacks of the modern game, Smith ignites backlines with his bullet-like pass, which is widely regarded as one of the best in world rugby. He hasn’t missed a Super Rugby match for the Highlanders this year.
BEAUDEN BARRETT
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH
ISR: Hurricanes DOB: 27.05.91 HEIGHT: 1.87 WEIGHT: 91kg CAPS: 50
Barrett was in electrifying form for the All Blacks in 2016, which was recognised with the World Rugby Player of the Year Award. Fifth on the All Blacks all-time Test points-scoring list and scored 24 points against Samoa.
AARON CRUDEN
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH
ISR: Chiefs DOB: 08.01.89 HEIGHT: 1.78m WEIGHT: 80kg CAPS: 47
Cruden has grown into a leadership role at all levels and shown himself to be an excellent tactician. Fourth on the All Blacks all-time Test points-scoring list, and a
key part of the Chiefs’ 2017 Super Rugby campaign.
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 63