Hoeata bolts into All Blacks squad

Jarrad Hoeata, Richie McCaw and Sitiveni Sivivatu. Photo / Getty Images

Taranaki lock Jarrad Hoeata is the only newcomer in a 30-man All Blacks squad named today for the Tri-Nations and a test against Fiji.

His call-up, the selection of Colin Slade over Aaron Cruden to be Dan Carter's back-up at first five-eighth, and the omission of 68-test veteran Joe Rokocoko from the squad were the main talking points after the announcement in Auckland.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith also named four players as injury cover for Tony Woodcock (foot), Isaia Toeava (hip), Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh muscle).

Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett, Hurricanes winger Cory Jane, Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and Highlanders winger Ben Smith will assemble with the squad, but Henry said they were confident that the four injured players would see them play some part in the Tri-Nations.

The squad, which will be captained by Richie McCaw, is made up of 16 forwards and 14 backs and is big on experience with 1028 test caps between them.

Additions and omissions

Along with Crockett, Cruden, Rokocoko, Ben Smith and Sivivatu other former All Blacks to miss out on the squad include Cruden, Hika Elliot, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Benson Stanley, Neemia Tialata, Alby Mathewson, Stephen Donald and Victor Vito.

Super 15 standouts Robbie Fruean and Matt Todd will also be left to impress selectors in the ITM Cup if they will have any chance of playing at the World Cup.

Hoeata, who started every match for the Highlanders in the Super 15 this year, played for the New Zealand sevens team in 2006 and also featured strongly for New Zealand Maori in their centenary series last year.

Henry offered his congratulations to Hoeata: "He is the only new All Black selected so this will be a very special moment for him. He thoroughly deserves his selection and we congratulate him."

The All Blacks coach said there was a debate over six players and had praise for some that missed out.

Regarding Robbie Fruean, Henry said he needs to improve his work-rate, but described him as an explosive player.

"I think Robbie is a player for the future."

Henry also said there had been no changes to the squad as a result of the Crusaders' loss in the Super Rugby final last night.

"I think we've got to make sure we stay ahead of the pack," Henry said.

"If we don't improve what we are doing we will get run over by good teams around the world."

Ali Williams returns

The squad also sees the return of a number of players to the All Blacks, most notably Ali Williams who has played 61 tests for the national side who made his rugby comeback this year after two years out of the game with Achilles and shoulder injuries.

Williams admitted he did doubt he would make it into the All Blacks side.

"I didn't think I was a definite chance until I was rung ... this time was quite special. I obviously didn't have a clue."

Williams said he was looking forward to putting on the all Blacks jersey again.

"Put it on me - I'm keen to go."

Williams said getting called into the All Blacks side this year is better than the first time he was picked.

"I think I put more work into it. The other time it just came about."

He recalled All Blacks legend Sir Brian Lochore telling him every great All Black had been dropped.

"This wasn't just being dropped but buried as well."

Corey Flynn, Richard Kahui and Piri Weepu also return to the All Blacks after injury ruled them out of contention for last year's end of season tour to the northern hemisphere.

Missing from last year's Tri-Nations squad are Rokocoko, Cruden, Tom Donnelly, Rene Ranger, Benson Stanley, Victor Vito and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric who was not considered due to a foot injury.

Henry said that lock Boric would have been selected if he was not injured.

Kaino keen to play every game

Jerome Kaino says he still does not feel secure as the All Blacks' first choice number six, despite his impressive super 15 campaign.

He says he wants to play every Tri Nations game to prove he deserves his place in the starting line up.

"You've always got to prove yourself. There's always that pressure to perform. The day you start to feel comfortable in a position is the day your game drops off"

He says it is great to see Blues teammate Ali Williams back in the squad.

But it is sad to see winger Joe Rokocoko dropped, he says.

Squad: John Afoa (Auckland), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay), Andy Ellis (Canterbury), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Tasman), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Hosea Gear (Wellington), Zac Guildford (Hawke's Bay), Jarrad Hoeata (Taranaki) Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Richie McCaw (captain, Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Liam Messam (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Colin Slade (Canterbury), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury), Ali Williams (Auckland), Sonny Bill Williams (Canterbury), Tony Woodcock (Auckland).

Injury cover: Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury), Cory Jane (Wellington), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Ben Smith (Otago).

- NZPA/HERALD ONLINE