Rugby: All Blacks captain Kieran Read rules himself out of Samoa clash

Kieran Read. Photo / Photosport.

Injured All Blacks captain Kieran Read has ruled himself out of the All Blacks' opening test of 2017 against Samoa next Friday.

Speaking at today's All Blacks squad announcement for the upcoming tests against the Pacific Island nation and the British and Irish Lions, Read said he will visit a specialist tomorrow to assess his fractured thumb.

"I'm seeing the specialist tomorrow," the 97-test veteran said.

"We've had x-rays done this week, so that will just hopefully re-affirm that everything's on track and that I can start using the thumb again.

"I think Samoa is probably right out of the question, then it's just going to be how it responds."

The 31-year-old injured his thumb during the Crusaders' 48-21 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in April.

Despite no game time since sustaining the injury, Read is confident of making a smooth comeback into the black jersey.

"I've got the confidence in myself that I can turn up and play at a high level," he told Radio Sport last month.

"I'll back myself and I'll be good, ready to go."

On the topic of the newly announced All Blacks squad to take on Samoa and the Lions, Read was impressed with the balance of youth and experience within the team.

"There's great players across the country, some really good players that missed out," he said.

"I think the squad as a whole is pretty exciting. A good mix, a lot of guys who have been around, building on what we did last year, and those young boys coming in and guys who have a real appetite.

"They're going to keep pushing us, [we're] going to need that, need some pretty strong combinations heading into that first test."

Read praised both Jordie Barrett and Ngani Laumape, both selected in the All Blacks squad for the first time.

"Jordie's been awesome actually. First year of Super Rugby and to put [in] the performance that he's done, it shows the calibre of player he is now and probably going to be in the future.

"Ngani's been dynamic, probably a point of difference for the Hurricanes. [He's] been able to score tries as well as bowl over the top of people as well, so I guess [it's] nice to have for selectors to have in your squad."

The All Blacks' first test of the year against Samoa will take place at Eden Park on June 16, while the first test of the British and Irish Lions series will kick off at the same venue on June 24.

All Blacks squad:

Backs: Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

Forwards: Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Jerome Kaino, Liam Squire, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris.