New Zealand coach Steve Hansen forced to defend picking Japan-based Matt Todd

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen received dispensation from his superiors at New Zealand Rugby to include Japan-based flanker Matt Todd in his 32-man squad for the autumn series, which includes fixtures against England and Ireland.

Under normal circumstances, players based outside New Zealand are not eligible for selection, but Cane’s injury left Hansen with only one openside with Test experience, Ardie Savea.

Yet, Hansen insisted there had not been a policy change when Todd, who plays for Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan but will return to New Zealand in 2019, was called up to replace Sam Cane, who broke a bone in his neck in the Rugby Championship win over South Africa. Instead, he said Todd was returning from “holiday”.

“There’s been no change of heart,” said Hansen. “He’s committed to New Zealand rugby. He’s very much in the mix for next year’s World Cup.

“We went to the board and requested that we use him with the understanding that he will be coming back to the Crusaders and is contracted to them until the end of 2019. We just really saw him as being on a holiday and we’ve asked him to come back from holiday.”

Other notable inclusions are hooker Dane Coles and tight-head prop Nepo Laulala, both back from serious injury, and Brodie Retallick, who also spent time on the sidelines.

Dalton Papaili’i, who has also been selected at openside, is the only uncapped player in Hansen’s squad.