Rugby: Ranger back in black

No one can tell Rene Ranger he does not have persistence, not now that he has been recalled to the All Blacks squad after three years away from the international fold.

The bustling Taniwha centre was one of six new faces to be named in Steve Hansen's All Blacks squad to face France in the upcoming three-match test series, which starts this coming weekend in Auckland.

The three-test All Black Ranger has been named in the 32-man squad alongside fellow Blues backline players Francis Saili and Charles Piutau, both of whom are new caps announced yesterday.

Three of those new caps come in the forwards with Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki joining Blues loosie Steven Luatua and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush.

Crusaders loose forward Matt Todd will also come into the squad as an injury replacement for lock Samuel Whitelock who is recovering from a broken finger and is expected to be available for the third test.

Players unavailable for selection due to injury include Charlie Faumuina (calf) and Cory Jane (knee) as well as wider training group member Dominic Bird (shoulder).

Kieran Read will captain the squad and Daniel Carter is vice-captain while versatility is the key in the backs with a number of players able to play in multiple positions.

The squad is made up of five Highlanders players, eight Crusaders, seven Hurricanes, six Chiefs and six Blues.

All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: "In picking the side, the selectors have looked at, firstly, a combination of Super Rugby form and past All Blacks form and secondly, getting the balance right between experience and new blood.

"In doing that, we have looked to take the opportunity to introduce six new players [including Matt Todd] and the selectors would like to congratulate those young men on being selected. That means we have introduced 15 new players to our environment in the last 12 months thus accomplishing one of our goals of having a mixture of experience and enthusiastic new faces.

"It's now about consolidating and narrowing our focus for this three-match test series against what will be a very good French side."

Hansen said as with any All Blacks squad selection, there were a number of players who were unlucky to miss out either through non-selection or injury.

"But I would like to emphasise that we, as selectors, believe that over time a number of these players will be seen in the black jersey so our message to these young men is to keep striving and be ready for your opportunity when it comes."

France returns to New Zealand for the first time since the thrilling Rugby World Cup Final in 2011 and the first three-match series in New Zealand since 1968.

The All Blacks squad assembles in Auckland today to prepare for the first test on Saturday at Eden Park. The second test is at Christchurch's AMI Stadium (Addington) on June 15 and the third test at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth, on June 22.

All Blacks squad:

Dane Coles, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Andrew Hore, Aaron Smith, Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu, Ben Afeaki, Beauden Barrett, Wyatt Crockett, Daniel Carter, Ben Franks, Aaron Cruden, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Brodie Retallick, Francis Saili, Luke Romano, Conrad Smith, Jeremy Thrush, Samuel Whitelock, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Sam Cane, Julian Savea, Steven Luatua, Ben Smith, Liam Messam, Kieran Read (c), Victor Vito; Injury cover: Matt Todd.