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'We want him to have a big off-season' – Steve Hansen says All Blacks door NOT shut on Julian Savea

October 23, 2017

The winger will face the All Blacks after he was an omission from their end of year tour squad.

Despite not being selected for the All Blacks' Northern tour, Julian Savea still has a future with the team, according to coach Steve Hansen.

Savea, 27, was dropped from the All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship, with Rieko Ioane preferred on the left wing, being told to play for Wellington to find his form.

Speaking to media today, Hansen explained his plans for the destructive winger.

"We're really happy with how he's going," Hansen said.

"It's a long term plan with Jules (Savea)."

"We want him to have a big off-season."

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.

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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