Photos: All Black contenders have first hit out

Ma'a Nonu of the All Blacks holds the pad for Paul Williams as he jumps for the high balll during an All Blacks training session at Trusts Stadium. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks wider training group gathered in Auckland today for their first training session under coach Graham Henry.

The 25-man squad excluded players from the Crusaders, who are playing the Waratahs in the Super 14 final in Christchurch on Saturday.

The All Black selectors will name a squad of 26 on Sunday for the home tests against Ireland and England.