Rugby-Tuivasa-Sheck, Perofeta get All Blacks call-ups, TJ left out

(Reuters) - Former rugby league standout Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and his Super Rugby team mate Stephen Perofeta were included in the All Blacks squad for the July series against Ireland on Monday, but there was no room for experienced halfback TJ Perenara.

Tuivasa-Sheck and Perofeta were among six uncapped players in the squad along with prop Aidan Ross, loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula, scrumhalf Folau Fakatava and outside back Leicester Fainga'anuku.

Livewire Fakatava's inclusion along with Aaron Smith and Finlay Christie meant there was no place for Brad Weber or Perenara, who has been almost ever-present in the New Zealand set-up since 2014.

"We've had five nines playing really well," said coach Ian Foster.

"So narrowing that down, we just feel that with Folau and Finlay, they offer something a bit different and a chance to see how we can incorporate that into an All Blacks game."

Tuivasa-Sheck made the switch to the 15-man code with the intent of making the All Blacks squad for next year's World Cup in France and his inclusion is another step towards that goal for the fleet-footed centre.

"We've been delighted with his progress, particularly in the last four or five weeks," Foster added.

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