Liam Squire could be in line for selection when Steve Hansen names his 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup tomorrow.
The flanker, who made himself unavailable
for this year’s shortened Rugby Championship due to personal reasons, was told
by Hansen that he would be in contention for the tournament in Japan if he
called and made himself eligible for selection.
According to reports that phone call has
taken place in the past few days following New Zealand’s 36-0 demolishing of
the Wallabies however, New Zealand Rugby cannot confirm whether or not he is
back in the mix.
Aside from Squire there are some more
questions as to who will be getting a ticket on the plane to Japan with star
lock Brodie Retallick still out with a shoulder injury and with no set return
date.
It is also thought that Hansen will only bring
two out-halves in Richie Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett. However, Barrett has been
used as a full-back with Mo’unga at fly-half in recent matches so it remains to
be seen if they would continue with that system as it appears risky if they are
the only two No 10’s to travel.
There are a number of players battling in
the front and back three and despite lowering standards in recent times it is expected
that experienced duo Owen Franks and Ben Smith will be selected.
All will be revealed tomorrow but no matter
who is picked the biggest surprise would undoubtedly be if Squire is one of that
31-man squad although if he is available, he would be a huge player to bring
back into the side.
