All Blacks: Quartet axed for Tri Nations

New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam has earned a recall to the All Blacks. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The return of John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Liam Messam and Ma'a Nonu and the axing of Aled de Malmanche, Neemia Tialata, Adam Thomson and Zac Guildford are features of the All Blacks squad named for 2010 Tri Nations rugby series against Australia and South Africa.

The squad is made up of 15 forwards and 13 backs.

The forwards feature the return of New Zealand Maori captain loose forward Liam Messam and Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn, subject to a medical and fitness test, who returns to the front row alongside returning Auckland prop John Afoa.

Ma'a Nonu returns to second five eight following his recovery from a posterior cruciate ligament injury while lock Sam Whitelock and wing Rene Ranger, who have provided injury cover for the All Blacks during recent test series against Wales and Ireland have now made the official squad.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said players not considered for selection due to injury include: Mike Delany (shoulder), Stephen Donald (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles).

The All Blacks squad for the upcoming Tri Nations rugby series against South Africa and Australia:

Forwards: John Afoa (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Tasman),Owen Franks (Canterbury), Jerome Kaino ( Auckland), Richie McCaw (capt) (Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Liam Messam (Waikato), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Canterbury) Victor Vito (Wellington ), Samuel Whitelock (Canterbury), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour),

Backs: Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), Cory Jane (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Rene Ranger (Northland), Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

Tri Nations match schedule:

Saturday July 10: All Blacks v South Africa Auckland

Saturday July 17: All Blacks v South Africa Wellington

Saturday July 24: Australia v South Africa Brisbane

Saturday July 31: Australia v All Blacks Melbourne

Saturday August 7: All Blacks v Australia Christchurch

Saturday August 21: South Africa v All Blacks Johannesburg

Saturday August 28: South Africa v Australia Pretoria

Saturday September 4: South Africa v Australia Bloemfontein

Saturday September 11 Australia v All Blacks Sydney

- NZPA