Former All Blacks Ethan Blackadder and Timoci 'Jim' Tavatavanawai have been named in the 44-strong New Zealand rugby squad to tour South Africa next month.
That has removed the two influential figures from the Tasman Mako, which opens its NPC campaign against North Harbour on Friday night.
Thirty-one-year-old Ethan played the last of his 14 tests in 2024 while Jim, 28, made two appearances last year.
Ethan is likely to be in the loose forwards mix for the mid-week fixtures while Jim, the Highlanders co-captain, has been selected as a midfield back.
He came off the bench for his two caps.
Tasman-contracted All Black regulars Will Jordan and Tyrel Lomax are also in the squad for what’s being billed the “Rivalry Series”.
With the All Blacks only taking three halfbacks to South Africa, the Mako’s three-test halfback Noah Hotham has missed out.
There are three new caps in the squad – Chiefs utility back Josh Jacomb, Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki, and Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
Meanwhile Crusaders loose forward Johnny Lee has been named to lead the Mako this season.
The 22-year-old debuted for the team in 2024 but has been limited to 11 matches after suffering a hamstring injury last season.
The Christ’s College product, who captained the Junior Crusaders, made his senior debut for the Super Rugby Pasifika team this year.
