View photos: All Blacks - the lucky and not so luckyKEY POINTS:
Chiefs halfback Brendon Leonard and Hurricanes prop John Schwalger are the two new caps in the All Blacks squad named today, while established All Black Rico Gear has missed out on selection.
Leonard edged out Jimmy Cowan and Andy Ellis for the third halfback spot while Schwalger pipped Clark Dermody for a spot in the front row.
With only three wingers being chosen one big name was always going to miss out and the selectors opted to go with reconditioned All Blacks Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko alongside Blues winger Doug Howlett ahead of Gear.
All of the available players who took part in the World Cup reconditioning programme were included in the squad.
The squad is for the home tests in June against France and Canada and the Tri Nations series.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "Brendon has been the best attacking halfback in the Rebel Sport Super 14 this season and has forced his way into the side based on form, while John's ability to play both sides of the scrum was a key factor for us."
The 22-year-old Leonard made his provincial debut in 2005 and his first Chiefs start this year.
Schwalger also started his provincial career in 2005 and played for the Hurricanes in 2006 as well as 2007.
He also represented New Zealand Under 21 in 2004 and the Junior All Blacks last season.
Henry said the upcoming series against France and Canada were critical to the All Blacks season.
"We're focused on finding our form as fast as possible and then we want to build on it. We are looking to improve on where we were last year and there's a lot of work to do," he said.
Of the 2006 All Blacks, locks Jason Eaton and James Ryan, who took part in last November's tour to Europe, were unavailable for selection due to injury, and prop Greg Somerville continues to rehabilitate an achilles injury sustained during last year's Tri Nations.
Meanwhile, loose forward Sione Lauaki and centre Richard Kahui were not considered for selection due to injury.
Squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Luke McAlister, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Nick Evans, Byron Kelleher, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard.
Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Reuben Thorne, Troy Flavell, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Andrew Hore.
- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF
