Rugby World Cup hopeful Shannon Frizell named for Tasman return

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Shannon Frizell’s All black people the return bid is finally set to begin this weekend when Tasman head south Otago in the heavyweight category of NPC conflict.

The 2026 All Black have had major injury problems, having made just two appearances for former Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus last season and missing the first six rounds of the current NPC campaign, but will go down in 8th place at the Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night.

With his hamstring injury now in the rear-view mirror, the 32-year-old can begin to push for a national recall ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup that took him home. It is also a suitable return, because it will offer Highlanders fans have the chance to see their returning star in action under the roof in Dunedin.

Frizell will join rising star Johnny Lee and Australia U20 product Lopeti Faifu in the loose forward trio for the game, retains Brumbies Rake Rory Scott on the bench.

Frizell will not be the only Tasman leading the All Black, with David Havili at centre. Recently New Zealand U20 stars Eli Oudenryn, Jake Frost, Cooper Grant, Macca Springer, Cooper Roberts and Maloni Kunawave join Lee as names for the future in the upcoming Tasman squad.

Team form

Last 5 games

2/5

Race to 10 points

1/5

The Tasman team plays against Otago

1. Tom Heywood
2. Eli Oudenryn
3. Ryan Coxon
4. Jake Frost
5. Antonio Shalfoon
6. Free Lobster
7. Johnny Lee
8. Shannon Frizell
9. Mitchell Drummond
10. Cooper Grant
11. Macca Springer
12. David Havili
13. Cooper Roberts
14. Kyren Taumoefolau
15. Nice Kunawave

16. Richie Asiata

17. Light animals