The All Blacks have selected their first played based in Japan to join their newly announced squad of 51 for their upcoming Spring Test tour.
The All Blacks 51-man selection will be the squad set to play against Japan, England, Australia, Italy, and Ireland for the Spring Test matches. Flanker Matt Todd, who is singed in with the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan’s top domestic competition, has been chosen for the European portion of New Zealand’s tour. He will be taking the now open role previously held by Sam Cane, who is recovering from a fracture to his neck.
Todd will also be returning to New Zealand next year to play for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, but normally the flanker would not be considered for selection into the All Blacks while based in a different country.
The All Blacks have always maintained a policy of not choosing overseas-based players on the basis that it would lead to an exodus of players who would accept contracts in Japan and Europe while still being involved in Tests.
Steve Hansen has said that the 14 Test flanker had been given the exemption due to his long service for New Zealand rugby, and because the player would be returning to the country in 2019. He also announced the squad line-up in two parts in a complex selection process for the five-match tour that they will be participating in over the next few months.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | BetEasy | | 4.9/5 | 100% Match Bonus | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Lauren Ball
An avid writer and sports betting enthusiast, Lauren Ball has found the ideal way to combine the two. As a regular contributor and resident OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz expert, Lauren is now putting her considerable wisdom to good use, and keeps punters informed as to what’s hot and happening in the online betting and sporting world.
From the latest sports results to any upsets or developments in the betting world, Lauren makes it her business to know what’s going on in the industry and share it with those who have the same interests.
You May Also Like:
A Possible Name Change for the Crusaders
A suspected white supremacist perpetrated a shooting at two mosques as people gathered for Friday prayers in Christchurch on the 19th of March 2019. NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has ….
All Blacks Beat Italy in Rome
The All Blacks ended their November international series on a more positive note with a 66-3 win against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The Azzurri were mostly on ….
All Blacks Team Changes For Italy Game
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has relayed the final team setup that will be playing against Italy at the Stadio Olimpico. Hansen has made a total of 11 changes to ….
Aaron Smith Most Capped All Black
New Zealand’s Aaron Smith is ready to become the most-capped All Blacks scrumhalf after he enters the field in their upcoming game against Ireland in Dublin. Smith will be playing ….
English Coach Eddie Jones on Twickenham Game
England coach Eddie Jones feels that his team finished off stronger than New Zealand after a long and drawn-out match that saw world champions New Zealand win 16-15 at Twickenham ….