View photos of the squadKEY POINTS:
Six new caps including bolter Adam Thomson have been named in the first All Blacks rugby squad of 2008 announced in Christchurch this morning.
Richie McCaw has been reinstated as captain and is one of just 16 players to return from last year's World Cup squad of 30.
Coach Graham Henry has introduced two uncapped forwards and four backs to the squad to prepare for tests against Ireland and England (twice) this month and contest the Tri-Nations tournament beginning in July.
The newcomers to the forward pack are North Harbour lock Anthony Boric and Otago flanker Thomson, who was a standout performer for the Highlanders in the Super 14 but still wasn't considered a likely selection. The expectations were that uncapped Crusaders blindside Kieran Read would win selection but he was not considered ready yet by Henry.
In the backs, the new faces are North Harbour outside backs Rudi Wulf and Anthony Tuitavake, Waikato centre Richard Kahui and Waikato first five-eighth Stephen Donald, who is named ahead of Crusaders candidate Stephen Brett.
Henry said the new players forced their way into the squad through outstanding performances in the Super 14.
"A few of them were not in the frame at the beginning of the year, but they proved they were some of the form players in New Zealand rugby."
Seven players have been included from the Super 14 champion Crusaders team who beat the New South Wales Waratahs 20-12 in last night's final.
Prop Tony Woodcock (toe) and halfback Brendon Leonard (knee) are carrying injuries and will not be considered for at least the first test against Ireland on Saturday.
Consequently, the Hurricanes' John Schwalger and the Highlanders' Jimmy Cowan are assembling with the squad this afternoon in Wellington.
Henry noted that test against Ireland would be a major challenge.
"The Irish were strong when they came to New Zealand in 2006 and may be stronger this time. They've already been in camp for a couple of weeks, except for their Munster players who were winning the European championship. We need to be very aware of the challenge and focussed on the task at hand."
Henry will name his starting team for the Irish test in Wellington on Tuesday.
All Blacks squad
Backs: Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Rudi Wulf (North Harbour), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Andy Ellis (Canterbury), Brendon Leonard (Waikato).
Forwards: Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Canterbury, captain), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Adam Thomson (Otago), Ali Williams (Tasman), Brad Thorn (Tasman), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), John Afoa (Auckland), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Andrew Hore (Taranaki).
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA
