Controversial Crusaders wing Sevu Reece has been named for his All Blacks debut against Argentina on Sunday.
Reece will become All Black number 1,182, when he starts the Rugby Championship opener in Buenos Aires on the right wing, while three others ‑ prop Atu Moli, loose forward Luke Jacobson, first‑five Josh Ioane and utility back Braydon Ennor have been selected on the bench.
Many questioned Reece's inclusion in the squad last month, after he got in trouble with the law that saw him face domestic violence charges in Hamilton 12 months ago.
The Fijian‑born wing pleaded guilty, but was dismissed without conviction, when the judge chose not to jeopardise his professional rugby career.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen justified his national selection, insisting Reece had turned over a new leaf in Christchurch and deserved a second chance.
Reece, Ennor and wing George Bridge were the only Crusaders players taken to Argentina for the opening international game of the year ‑ nine others were left home to recover from their Super Rugby championship campaign.
Hansen admitted his desire to gauge Reece at the next level saw him chosen ahead of established right‑wing option Rieko Ioane.
The Wallabies face the Springboks at 3.05am Sunday while the All Blacks clash with Argentina at 6.05am Sunday.
All Blacks: 1‑Ofa Tuungafasi, 2‑Dane Coles, 3‑Angus Ta'avao, 4‑Brodie Retallick, 5‑Patrick Tuipulotu, 6‑Vaea Fifita, 7‑Sam Cane, 8‑Ardie Savea, 9‑Aaron Smith, 10‑Beauden Barrett, 11‑Jordie Barrett, 12‑Ngani Laumape, 13‑Anton Lienert‑Brown, 14‑Sevu Reece, 15‑Ben Smith
Reserves: 16‑Liam Coltman, 17‑Atu Moli, 18‑Nepo Laulala, 19‑Jackson Hemopo, 20‑Luke Jacobson, 21‑Brad Weber, 22‑Josh Ioane, 23‑Braydon Ennor.
[Source:Newshub]
