First Lions Tour team named

[Lizard]

The New Zealand Provincial Barbarians squad has been partially named for the first match of the Lions tour. The 19 players named so far are:

Forwards:
Aiden Ross (Bay of Plenty)
Tolu Fahamokioa (Wellington)
Sam Anderson-Heather (Otago)
Epalahame Faiva (Waikato)
Marcel Renata (Auckland)
Quinten Strange (Tasman)
Joshua Goodhue (Northland)
Heiden Bedwell-Curtis (Manawatu)
Mitchell Brown (Taranaki)
Matthew Matich (Northland)
Peter Rowe (Wanganui)

Backs:
Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
Jack Stratton (Canterbury)
Bryn Gatland (North Harbour)
Jonathan Fa’auli (Taranaki)
Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay)
Sevuloni Reece (Waikato)
Luteru Laulala (Counties Manukau)
Junior Ngaluafe (Southland)

The main talking point here is the selection of Bryn "Son of Warren" Gatland. This is clearly designed to make sure he gets at least one match (he is an outside chance with the Blues, probably on the bench). And why not?

It's a squad picked to ensure a good geographic spread (every top tier province is represented plus a few of the 2nd tier) but is fairly strong in the circumstances with 13 former NZ Schools, NZ U20 or Maori All Blacks reps. There's half a dozen or so with Super Rugby experience. I don't know if there were any formal qualification criteria for selection.

It's not clear why they've taken a piecemeal approach to naming the team. The balance will not be named for another 6 weeks. I would guess it has something to with availabality for the Super Rugby sides, plus the need to get the non-Super guys into training camp.

[Lizard]

Also note Luteru Laulala, the 21 year-old brother of All Blacks Casey and Nepo.* Luteru has played NZ U17, NZ Schools Baabaas (i.e. NZ Schools 2nd XV), Samoa U20 (2014), NZU20 (2015). He's now with Counties-Manukau alongside Nepo (Casey is at Racing 92). Could be one to watch.

*Another brother, Ray, has also played provincial rugby for Counties-Manukau.

[Mellsblue]

Please tell me Gatland Jnr is a 5'10'', 80kg, playmaking centre, with quick hands and a hatred of contact.

[Lizard]

Please tell me Gatland Jnr is a 5'10'', 80kg, playmaking centre, with quick hands and a hatred of contact.

Close. 5'10", 85kg flyhalf who also covers fullback.

[Mellsblue]

Please tell me Gatland Jnr is a 5'10'', 80kg, playmaking centre, with quick hands and a hatred of contact.

Close. 5'10", 85kg flyhalf who also covers fullback.

Brilliant. Even nepotism and endless nagging from Mrs Gatland wouldn't get him picked in his father's team.

[Digby]

Please tell me Gatland Jnr is a 5'10'', 80kg, playmaking centre, with quick hands and a hatred of contact.

Close. 5'10", 85kg flyhalf who also covers fullback.

Brilliant. Even nepotism and endless nagging from Mrs Gatland wouldn't get him picked in his father's team.

Who do you think broke both his legs?