Rugby: Thrush called into ABs wider training group

Jeremy Thrush. Photo / Getty Images.

Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush has been called into the second All Blacks wider training group camp in Mt Maunganui tomorrow.

He replaces 77-Test All Black Ali Williams who yesterday announced he was standing down from international rugby.

Thrush will join the 37 other players named in the training group earlier this month, including Highlanders Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock who have all returned from Investec Super Rugby duty off-shore.

The All Blacks selectors - Head Coach Steven Hansen, Assistant Coach Ian Foster and selector Grant Fox - are due to announce their first squad for 2013 on Sunday 2 June ahead of the three-match series against France.

Blues
Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili and Piri Weepu.

Chiefs
Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

Hurricanes
Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Jeremy Thrush, and Victor Vito.

Crusaders
Dominic Bird, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Taylor and Samuel Whitelock.

Highlanders
Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock.