WELLINGTON — New Zealand coach Steve Hansen continued his gradual overhaul of the world champion All Blacks by dropping experienced scrumhalf Piri Weepu and bringing uncapped TJ Perenara into his squad for the Rugby Championship Sunday. Loose forward Victor Vito, another experienced All Black, was also omitted from the 28-man party but captain Richie McCaw was recalled after a sabbatical for the championship, which begins with New Zealand's visit to Australia on Aug. 17. Hansen did not close the door on Weepu, who earned his 71st cap against France in June, but said his inability to deal with the pace of the modern game was preventing him from exploiting his considerable skills. “We just felt that the way we're trying to play the game, the speed we're trying to play the game, Piri was struggling with that,” Hansen said in a teleconference from Christchurch. “His last game really confirmed what our thoughts were. We just think it's time to say, ‘you go away and see if you can sort out that issue' and meanwhile young TJ can have a crack. Perenara has got a similar skill set — a younger version, a fitter version.” Weepu, 29, tweeted: “Down but not out.. As always”. — Reuters
