Six new All Blacks have been announced in Steve Hansen’s first All Black side of 2016, the 32 man squad will be captained by Kieran Read.
The biggest surprise came with a name not selected, World Cup winner TJ Perenara has missed out on the squad as the selectors went for Tawera Kerr Barlow as Aaron Smith's back-up.
Perenara has been chosen as potential injury cover for Kerr Barlow.
Damian McKenzie, Seta Tamanivalu, Ardie Savea, Liam Squirre, Elliot Dixon and Ofa Tu’ungafasi are the new caps in the squad.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes that despite the loss of so much experience the team is in great shape.
Many people, including our opponents, may be thinking we're vulnerable and are rebuilding. However, we don't have that mindset. We, as selectors, are very confident that we have both the talent and the experience to continue enhancing the legacy of the All Blacks," he said.
"It's often said that when the tall trees that cast the largest shadows are cut down, the remaining smaller trees grow more rapidly. We believe we'll see players stand tall and take their game to a higher standard this season.
"This group of players, I can assure you, is very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead for them. They know it's their time, their moment, and they can't wait to make their mark in the jersey,"
The squad is made up of four Blues players, eight Chiefs, four Hurricanes, nine Crusaders and seven Highlanders while 11 of New Zealand's provinces are represented with eight Canterbury players, five from Auckland, four from Taranaki, three from Wellington, two each from Southland, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and one player from Tasman and Otago.
32 man squad - Barrett, Cane, Coles, Crockett, Crotty, Cruden, Dagg, Dixon, Faumuina, Fekitoa, O.Franks, Harris, Kaino, Kerr-Barlow, McKenzie, Moody, Naholo, Ngatai, Read ©, Retallick, Romano, A.Savea, J.Savea, A.Smith, B.Smith, Sopoaga, Squire, Tamanivalu, Taylor, Tu'ungafasi, Tuipulotu, Whitelock.
Injury replacements: Franklin, TJ Perenara
Newshub
