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'He'll fit in very well' – Steve Hansen pays tribute to new All Blacks call-up Matt Duffie

October 23, 2017

The North Harbour star is one of four new faces in the All Blacks' end of year tour squad.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has praised new call-up Matt Duffie, after the North Harbour star was included in the 37-man end of year tour squad.

Duffie, 27, is one of four uncapped players in the squad, likely to make his debut on the Northern tour, with his coach impressed with what he's seen.

"He's a very good finisher, he's got pace, he's good in the air, he can play wing or fullback, and he's got a sense of maturity about him that will fit in very well with what we're trying to do at the moment," Hansen told media.

"Over the last couple of years, he's grown and grown and become very consistent."

All Blacks squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Tim Perry, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd.

Backs: Tawera Kerr–Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, David Havili, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Seta Tamanivalu.

The All Blacks will face the Barbarians, France, a French XV, Scotland and Wales on their tour.

All Blacks' Northern tour:
November 5: All Blacks v Barbarians, London
November 12: All Blacks v France, Paris
November 15: All Blacks v French XV, Lyon
November 19: All Blacks v Scotland, Edinburgh
November 26: All Blacks v Wales, Cardiff

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