All Blacks select 4 uncapped players in a squad beset by injuries for the Rugby Championship

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) – All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has selected loose-forward Simon Parker among four uncapped players in his extended squad for the Rugby Championship which begins for New Zealand with back-to-back matches in Argentina.

The 22-year-old Chiefs backrower, who is 197-centimeters (6’4″) and weighs 119 kilograms (262 pounds) adds size and physicality to the All Blacks pack ahead of impending matches against Rugby World Cup champion South Africa.

The All Blacks are coming off a 3-0 series sweep over France last month, but Robertson has been forced to include a number of players as cover in a squad ravaged by injuries.

New Zealand has a particular shortage at scrumhalf, where Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham both will miss the start of the Championship.

Roigard has a broken foot and Hotham has a serious ankle sprain and is out for up to two months. Also facing lengthy periods on the sideline are winger Caleb Clarke, backrower Luke Jacobson, prop Tyrel Lomax.

Captain Scott Barrett, backrower Wallace Sititi, prop Tamaiti Williams, flyhalf Beauden Barrett and lock Tupou Vaa’i will be sidelined for shorter periods. All were named in Robertson’s squad Monday but may miss the tests against Argentina at Cordoba on Aug. 17 and Buenos Aires on Aug. 24.

Robertson has recalled scrumhalf Finlay Christie after an absence of almost a year to provide backup for Cortez Ratima, who currently is his only fit scrumhalf.

Three uncapped players, prop Tevita Mafileo, scrumhalf Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter, have been named to provide injury backup along with returning prop George Bower, lock Josh Lord and Christie. Backrower Peter Lakai returns from injury.

“Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with,” Robertson said. “He has the ability to play blindside or No. 8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.

“While we are clearly disappointed for our men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.”

Robertson said the new All Blacks squad members earned the opportunity through consistent performance “we are excited about what they will bring.”