SIX BLUES SELECTED FOR ALL BLACKS TOUR

The Blues have six players named in the All Blacks squad for the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour to South Africa and the United States.

Experienced All Blacks Beauden Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Caleb Clarke and Rieko Ioane are joined by fellow forwards Sam Darry and Anton Segner in the 44-man squad selected for the seven week tour.

All Blacks Head coach Dave Rennie said the squad had been selected to meet the demands of one of rugby’s most challenging tours.

“This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us. We have selected a squad that we know is up to the challenge,” he said.

“It’s a balanced blend of experienced Test players and younger players who will be keen to work hard and showcase their skillset on tour.

“With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby. Every player will be required to play their part across this tour.”

The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour begins with three matches against South African franchises before the All Blacks take on the Springboks in a four-Test series.

The tour concludes with a historic first-ever Test between the two nations on American soil in Baltimore.

Blues players selected:

Beauden Barrett
Caleb Clarke
Sam Darry
Rieko Ioane
Anton Segner
Patrick Tuipulotu

Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour Fixtures (NZST)

8 August: Stormers v All Blacks, Cape Town
12 August: Sharks v All Blacks, Durban
16 August: Bulls v All Blacks, Pretoria
23 August: Springboks v All Blacks (Test One), Johannesburg
26 August: Lions v All Blacks, Johannesburg
30 August: Springboks v All Blacks (Test Two), Cape Town
6 September: Springboks v All Blacks (Test Three), Johannesburg
13 September: Springboks v All Blacks (Test Four), Baltimore, USA