George Bower. Photo: PhotoSport / Martin Hunter
All Blacks v France
Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 19 July
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
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It's been three years since George Bower last played for the All Blacks and he concedes there were times he thought he may never make it back to the national side.
The prop initially missed out on selection in the All Blacks squad to play France, but was called in after his Crusaders teammate Tamaiti Williams was ruled out of the three match series with injury.
Bower is on the bench for Saturday's third and final test in Hamilton and is likely to get on the field for his 23rd test.
"I'm very excited. It's my first time in 2025 pulling on the black jersey, but also my first time in a long time," Bower said.
"My last test was in 2022 against England over there. It's been three years of grind and hard work to get back into the team. I'm super grateful to be back here and hopefully getting an opportunity on Saturday."
George Bower last played for the All Blacks in 2022. Photo: Christiaan Kotze / www.photosport.nz
Bower describes himself as an optimist, but he concedes he had the odd negative thought about his prospects of earning an All Blacks recall.
"Every now and then, like everyone else, it does creep in," Bower said.
"Every time you're in this environment, you're never certain when you're going to wear the jersey again. So I cherish that (being in the All Blacks) a lot more now. I'm definitely going to cherish that moment if I do get that opportunity to play.
"Those moments (of doubt) did creep in, but it was important just to keep ticking away, to keep having faith and trust in my skills and strengths."
Bower did entertain going offshore, but said his desire to play for the All Blacks again kept him in Aotearoa.
"There was always a focus for me to try and get back into the squad," he said.
"There was opportunities where I could've gone overseas, but there was a stronger pull here in New Zealand to stay home and contribute what I can here in New Zealand rugby."
Bower's next ambition is to be named in the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad. The annual four-nation tournament kicks off on 17 August, with New Zealand's opening match in Argentina.
"That is another goal, to get named in that next squad. First things first I've got to put on that jersey and do what I can to help the team perform. Then the rest will take care of itself."
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