10 capped All Blacks named in XV squad for Munster trip

The New Zealand tourists take on Graham Rowntree's side next month.

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Clayton McMillan will bring the All Blacks XV to Limerick. Pic: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

The All Blacks XV for the match against Munster next month has been named with 10 capped New Zealand internationals amongst the group. 

Blues forward Hoskins Sotutu is included after missing out on the the All Blacks’ northern tour squad while Chiefs stars Shaun Stevenson and Emoni Narawa will look to impress at Thomond Park. 

The All Blacks selection take on the southern province on November 2 as well as facing Georgia. 

The 29-strong squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups, led by respective head coaches Scott Robertson and Clayton McMillan.

“Congratulations to those selected, this is a special moment for the players and their whanau to represent their country," said McMillan.

“Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It’s great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons.” 

Robertson -- who will bring his All Blacks side to the Aviva Stadium to face Ireland on November 8, added: “I am really pleased with the mix of this squad, having players with All Blacks experience alongside emerging talent is important.

“As an All Black coaching group, we are excited to see these players perform in a Northern Hemisphere environment, to test themselves against different playing styles and build cohesion quickly within the team. With both teams in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time, it’s a great chance for the talent who have worked so hard to be given this opportunity to gain experience and express themselves on the international stage.”

The All Blacks XV squad:

Forwards: Xavier Numia, George Dyer, Saula Ma’u, Marcel Renata, George Bower, Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund, Bradley Slater, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Hoskins Sotutu, Oliver Haig, Christian Lio-Willie.

Backs: Noah Hotham, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea, Riley Higgins, AJ Lam, Dallas McLeod, Kiniviliame Naholo, Emoni Narawa, Chay Fihaki, Shaun Stevenson.