The Crusaders are well represented in the inaugural All Blacks XV line up, all set for their two-match tour to the UK.
The team boasts eight members who have played for the Crusaders, the most represented Super Rugby team in the 28-strong squad.
The All Blacks XV is the latest high-performance pathway to the All Blacks and is expected to have the same high expectations of the other Teams in Black.
The boys play Ireland A in Dublin on 4 November, and the Barbarians in London on 13 November.
Crusaders represented in the team are:
Finlay Brewis
Oli Jager
Tamaiti Williams
George Bell*
Brodie McAlister
Zach Gallagher
Dominic Gardiner
Chistian Lio-Willie
Leon MacDonald, All Blacks XV Head Coach, said they were expecting “an intense challenge from both Ireland A and the Barbarians”.
“These two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage,” MacDonald said.
“To play at international level is extremely valuable for the players and I am looking forward to guiding the team in what will be a first for the All Blacks XV.”
Ian Foster, All Blacks Head Coach and All Blacks XV selector, said the tour was “a great opportunity for them to play with a black jersey on”.
“Hopefully, that will help prepare us really well in another part of our building blocks for the Rugby World Cup next year,” Foster said.
The team assembles on 28 October before travelling to Dublin.
*George Bell played for the Crusaders in the 2022 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season