Four new caps and the return of three All Blacks from last year's team are the key talking points of squad named today.

The All Black selectors should leave several senior players at home for the end of year tour and trial some new blood, writes Richard Loe.

All Black bolter Ben Smith made probably the wisest investment of his rugby career on Saturday night.

The All Black squad to tour Japan and Europe was named this morning. Gregor Paul details the key objectives to be achieved.

Players like halfback Piri Weepu get their last chance to impress for the All Blacks before Sunday's team naming, starting tonight.

Halfback Fourie du Preez and lock Bakkies Botha have been added to the Barbarians for their match against the All Blacks in December.

First five-eighths Matt Giteau and former captain Stirling Mortlock insist there is no rift within the Wallabies squad over new leadership appointments.

There is one surprise among the venues named for the All Blacks home tests against Wales, Ireland and the Tri-Nations.

Another stress fracture has forced the All Blacks "special project" out of the team's end of year tour to Europe.

Robbie Deans has announced a 43-man squad for a four-day camp next week, to be trimmed to 35 before the tour party is named.

Dan Carter and Richie McCaw's greatness have left the All Blacks with major problem heading into the northern tour.

A major All Black selection surprise has been sprung ahead of their European tour, with Isaac Ross to be left at home to bulk up.

Comments by Graham Henry suggest there is little chance a "special project" will be unveiled for the ABs tour end of year tour.

Wales and England will fancy their chances of beating the All Blacks on their spring tour to the Northern Hemisphere, former All Black captain Sean Fitzpatrick has warned.