WELCOME RETURN: Waisake Naholo's comeback from injury was capped off by being named in the All Blacks team to prepare for the test series with Wales.PHOTO/FILE
WELCOME RETURN: Waisake Naholo's comeback from injury was capped off by being named in the All Blacks team to prepare for the test series with Wales.PHOTO/FILE
Ex-pat Whanganui player and three-test capped Waisake Naholo has retained his place in the first All Blacks squad of the year to prepare for the three-test series with Wales.
Coming back for the Highlanders after his second broken leg in the space of nine months, Naholo scored four tries ina fortnight in Super Rugby and did enough to convince coach Steve Hansen and his selectors to name him in the 32-man squad.
Representing Taranaki, Naholo was one of five outside backs named yesterday, with Waikato's Damian McKenzie the new cap alongside the experienced trio of Ben Smith, Julian Savea and the recalled Israel Dagg.
Dynamic incumbent Nehe Milner-Skudder is injured while the non-selection of Corey Jane likely signals the end of his New Zealand rugby career, as Jane was reportedly waiting on the team announcement before deciding if he will sign a deal to play in Japan.
