Page 64 - All Blacks v Lions - First Test

LIMA SOPOAGA
FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH
ISR: Highlanders DOB: 03.02.91 HEIGHT: 1.75m WEIGHT: 92kg CAPS: 7
An extremely skilful rst ve-eighth, Sopoaga was identi ed as a rugby talent
at a young age but had to overcome struggles with injury to realise potential and make his All Blacks debut. Played last week against Samoa.
RYAN CROTTY
MIDFIELD BACK
ISR: Crusaders DOB: 23.09.88 HEIGHT: 1.81m WEIGHT: 94kg CAPS: 26
Always had a reputation as a rock-solid mid elder, but took his game to another level in 2016. The versatile Crotty has leadership experience and over 100 games with Canterbury and the Crusaders, as well as playing for NZ U20.
JACK GOODHUE
MIDFIELD BACK
ISR: Crusaders DOB: 13.06.95 HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 98kg CAPS: 0
Goodhue’s determination
and physicality have been rewarded with regular selection by the Crusaders and a call-up to the All Blacks as injury cover. Previously played for both the All Blacks Sevens and NZ U20.
NGANI LAUMAPE
MIDFIELD BACK
ISR: Hurricanes DOB: 22.04.93 HEIGHT: 1.71m WEIGHT: 103kg CAPS 0
A New Zealand Schools rugby representative in 2011, Laumape has returned to
the game after time playing league. He has adapted well and thrived at the Hurricanes, regularly crossing the tryline this season.
ANTON LIENERT-BROWN
MIDFIELD BACK
ISR: Chiefs DOB: 14.04.95 HEIGHT: 1.85m WEIGHT: 96kg CAPS: 10
Lienert-Brown made the most of his call-up as injury cover last year and is now a consistent selection, having a great game last week. He was an NZ U20 player and has made a great contribution to the Chiefs since his debut.
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
MIDFIELD BACK
ISR: Blues DOB: 03.08.85 HEIGHT: 1.91m WEIGHT: 108kg CAPS: 34
First signed with New Zealand Rugby in 2010 and earned his rst All Blacks cap that year. Since then he has built up plenty of experience in black, also joining the All Blacks Sevens team and going to
Rio for the 2016 Olympics.
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