New Zealand squad welcomes back eight but Savea out for November

New Zealand will be without injured captain Ardie Savea for their November Nations Championship fixtures, though eight players return from injury.

New Zealand will be missing their injured captain Ardie Savea for the Nations Championship matches in November. The squad sees the return of eight players from injury, such as Jordie Barrett and Richie Mo'unga.

Coach Dave Rennie confirmed the group, which includes two new players, prop Saula Ma'u and first five-eighth Josh Jacomb. Savea hurt his shoulder in the recent series against South Africa and is one of several players unavailable, with Ruben Love also out.

Rennie stated, "This is a really strong squad we have selected." He added, "It's great to officially welcome George, Saula, Leicester, Christian, Jamie and Chay back into the squad.

The returning players are Jordie Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Asafo Aumua and Fehi Fineanganofo. Leicester Fainga'anuku and Christian Lio-Willie have also rejoined the national team.

New Zealand leads the Southern Hemisphere pool before playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends beginning in November. The team's recent results show one win, two draws and one loss from their last four outings. This run featured a loss to Japan and a draw with Panama. Prior to that, they drew 1-1 with Panama on Thursday 1 October, a match that saw Marko Stamenić score for New Zealand. Their last four results, in reverse order, are a loss, a draw, a win, and a draw.

The team's next match is at home against India on Thursday 12 November. The full fixtures list is available for details. The complete squad is listed below.

Forwards

Ethan Blackadder, George Bell, Scott Barrett, George Bower, Ethan de Groot, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Jamie Hannah, Fabian Holland, Peter Lakai, Saula Ma'u, Fletcher Newell, Xavier Numia, Anton Segner, Codie Taylor, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, Christian Lio-Willie, Wallace Sititi.

Backs

Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Josh Moorby, Kyle Preston, Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, Josh Jacomb.