Wellington: New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam was rewarded for his strong play in his side's victories over Ireland and England with elevation to the All Blacks squad for the Tri-Nations.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry included Messam, prop John Afoa hooker Corey Flynn and centre Ma'a Nonu, who is back from injury, in his 28-man squad named yesterday for the annual southern hemisphere competition with Australia and South Africa.
Flynn, who has been beset by injuries throughout his career will need to pass a fitness test this week, while tighthead prop Afoa, who played as hooker for the New Zealand Barbarians against the Maori, will undoubtedly provide cover there if needed.
Stalwart prop Neemia Tialata, however, has been dropped from the squad who played Ireland and two tests against Wales, along with winger Zac Guildford, flanker Adam Thomson and hooker Aled de Malmanche.
Canterbury lock Sam Whitelock and Northland utility back Rene Ranger, who were both brought into the squad for the June internationals as injury cover, have been retained for the Tri-Nations.
Injured and out
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Mike Delany (shoulder), Stephen Donald (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
Samoa take home title
A vital fourth-try bonus point 15 minutes from fulltime steered Samoa to the Pacific Nations Cup when they beat Fiji 31-9 in the final match of the regional rugby tournament in Apia on Saturday.
The extra point brought Samoa level with Fiji on nine points for the tournament and they took home the title with a superior points differential. Samoa ended up scoring five tries in the match and with a determined defensive effort restricted Fiji to just three penalties.
"Attitude. That was the difference today. We gave it everything we had," Samoa captain and man-of-the-match Mahonri Schwalger said after his side bounced back from their shock loss to Japan last week.
"The boys were playing in front of their people, they were playing for their country and there was no way we were going to end like we did last week."
