Gareth Evans in action for the Hawke's Bay Magpies against Manawatu this month. Photo/File
Gareth Evans in action for the Hawke's Bay Magpies against Manawatu this month. Photo/File
Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby loosie Gareth Evans is poised to become the second brother in his family to play for the All Blacks.
Havelock North club player Evans, 27, was one of seven newcomers in an All Blacks wider squad of 19 players named today to prepare for a November3 test against Japan in Tokyo.
The others were Tasman prop Tyrel Lomax, Taranaki prop Reuben O'Neill, North Harbour halfback Bryn Hall, Canterbury first five-eighth Brett Cameron, Wellington midfielder Matt Proctor and Canterbury outside back George Bridge.
Evans brother and former Magpies lock, Bryn Evans, played two test for the All Blacks in 2009.
Magpies lock Brodie Retallick has predictably been named in the 32-strong All Blacks squad to prepare for tests against Australia, Japan, England, Ireland and Italy on the Northern Tour.
Magpies head coach Mark Ozich was naturally delighted with the Evans' selection.
"It's really good news for him and the province, outstanding for him. It shows the younger players coming through our systems that you can still make the All Blacks from the smaller unions," Ozich said.
He agreed Magpies halfback Brad Weber was unlucky to miss out on the wider squad. His omission means the All Blacks selectors don't rank him among their top five No 9s.
"Brad has been in good form for the Chiefs and the Magpies this year. He has come back well from his broken leg last year and I'll be interested in any feedback Brad has to his work ons. He will be a little bit disappointed," Ozich added.
As expected the All Blacks selectors went with Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi in their 32-strong squad. Hall and Canterbury's Mitchell Drummond got the nod in their wider squad.
