Hansen defends Weepu selection

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen faces a public backlash after naming scrum-half Piri Weepu in his 30-man squad for this month’s three-test series with Ireland.

Mon, 04 Jun, 2012 - 01:00
Rory Keane, Auckland

Weepu has been a controversial figure in New Zealand rugby this season due to his poor displays for the Auckland Blues in the Super Rugby tournament along with his well-documented weight problems.

The 56-cap halfback has been selected ahead of Andy Ellis, who has been in excellent form for the Canterbury Crusaders, as well as teenage sensation TJ Perenara.

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CourtsRugbyPlace: New ZealandPlace: AucklandPlace: Eden ParkPlace: DublinPerson: HansenPerson: Steve HansenPerson: Piri WeepuPerson: WeepuPerson: Andy EllisPerson: TJ PerenaraPerson: PiriPerson: Graham HenryPerson: Declan KidneyPerson: Aaron SmithPerson: SmithPerson: Jimmy CowanPerson: Sam CanePerson: Brodie RetallickPerson: Ben TameifunaPerson: Luck RomanoPerson: Owen FranksPerson: Tony WoodcockPerson: Sam WhitelockPerson: Kieran ReadPerson: Jerome KainoPerson: Kevin MealamuPerson: Brad ThornPerson: Beauden BarrettPerson: Julian SaveaPerson: SaveaPerson: Jonah LomuPerson: Richie McCawPerson: McCawPerson: Tommy BowePerson: Sean O’BrienPerson: O’BrienPerson: Brian O’DriscollEvent: Super Rugby tournamentEvent: World CupEvent: Heineken CupOrganisation: All BlacksOrganisation: IrelandOrganisation: Auckland BluesOrganisation: Canterbury CrusadersOrganisation: HighlandersOrganisation: OtagoOrganisation: All BlackOrganisation: Chiefs’Organisation: CrusadersOrganisation: CanterburyOrganisation: LeinsterOrganisation: HurricanesOrganisation: New ZealandOrganisation: LionsOrganisation: IrishOrganisation: Australia
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Donal Lenihan
Donal Lenihan

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