Henry's big call in Hall of Legends

New All Black cap Angus Macdonald follows his father Hamish into the national team. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Choosing Isaia Toeava was obviously logical and straightforward for the All Black panel as coach Graham Henry said there were no bolters in the group chosen to attempt the Grand Slam.

But if the announcement yesterday had taken place in the Hall of Surprises rather than the Hall of Legends at Eden Park, Toeava would have immediately ended up as an inscription.

The 19-year-old utility is a wildcard choice to rank with any in recent All Black history, a player Henry said could play any backline position except halfback.

Had they chosen Jonah Lomu it would have been less of a shock.

Toeava started one game for Auckland against Northland this season at fullback and then shifted to first five-eighths late in the game.

He joined four others - prop Neemia Tialata, lock Jason Eaton, loosies Angus Macdonald and Chris Masoe - as new All Black picks while John Afoa was in the Tri-Nations squad but has yet to take the field.

The most prominent selection casualty was openside flanker Marty Holah. A pointer to his dwindling prospects came during the Lions series when the panel used Rodney So'oialo as the backup for the injured Richie McCaw.

That pattern became worse for Holah yesterday when Masoe was included ahead of him. Others in or around the All Blacks this year and who missed the cut were Sosene Anesi, Nick Evans, Kevin Senio, Campbell Johnstone and Jerome Kaino. Jono Gibbes and Derren Witcombe were injured and unavailable.

On a day when it seemed versatility was the key in becoming an All Black, Henry promised that every one of the 35-strong group would start in one of the tests against Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.

Those choices will be even more fascinating given the selectors' intention not to pick players for more than two successive internationals.

Quite where Toeava would fit in would become more apparent said Henry, as the tour developed. The panel had been watching his progress for some time, they had tracked him in the sevens, under-19 World Cup and Auckland development squad and felt he was a rare talent.

Versatility would be a prized commodity when countries were restricted to 30 players for the 2007 World Cup. Toeava fitted that utility template and this was the trip to evaluate his skills.

If he stays fit and plays a test, Toeava will become the 12th teenager to play an international for the All Blacks.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith confirmed Luke McAlister would be used primarily as a first five-eighths - that was the philosophy in working out their four test combinations.

Auckland lock/loosie Macdonald was another player with multiple positional credentials who made the grade. As he walked around yesterday in a shirt emblazoned with the All Black logo, he spoke of his pride and trouble in keeping his secret.

Like Toeava, Macdonald was told of his selection after Auckland's 39-11 win in the NPC final. It was great news, a tough secret to keep from his team-mates all night though he was able to tell his former All Black father Hamish.

"I guess I have been on the fringe for a while," Macdonald said.

Senior All Black statesman Sir Brian Lochore thought Macdonald was best suited as a blindside flanker who could cover lock while he had also shown ability at the other two loose forward positions.

The athletic Eaton, who has not played in the Super 12, became the fourth specialist lock ahead of perhaps Tom Donnelly while Masoe had been picked to cover all three loose forward roles.

"With Angus and Chris we've picked a couple of new players who have, or are developing, broad skill sets," said Henry. "Both also have the ability to cover more than one position."

Hookers Anton Oliver and Andrew Hore return after injury and being out of favour while Jimmy Cowan became the third halfback in a tight tussle with Senio.

Teen test players

* Jonah Lomu, 1994, 19 years 45 days

* Edgar Wrigley, 1905, 19y 79d

* Pat Walsh, 1955, 19y 106d

* John Kirwan, 1984, 19y 182d

* George Nepia, 1924, 19y 190d

* William Mitchell, 1910, 19y 211d

* William Francis, 1913, 19y 221d

* James Baird, 1913, 19y 270d

* Neil Wolfe, 1961, 19y 275d

* Geoff Hines, 1980, 19y 275d

* Bryan Williams, 1970, 19y 295d