By John Day
There's a lot to like about the 32-man All Blacks squad named this morning.
Liam Squire is as close as you get to a bolter these days, and the 25-year-old No.8 is an extremely exciting prospect.
The big Highlanders number eight hurts people, it's that simple. Both on defence and attack the 113 kilogram, 198 centimetre Squire is a menace.
Squire and fellow loose-forward newbies Elliott Dixon and Ardie Savea should keep the established trio of Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, and Sam Cane very honest indeed.
There's a real raw-boned look to the fourteen backs in the squad. With Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, and Conrad Smith gone, Israel Dagg is now the most-capped back with 49 Tests.
(Photosport)
Dagg's inclusion is somewhat surprising given he can only really play one position, fullback, which is held by vice-captain and world class number fifteen Ben Smith.
But you can't blame coach Steve Hansen for wanting to include Dagg at the expense of a third halfback. He's always delivered for Hansen and possesses a brilliant set of skills for Test match rugby: safe under the high ball, always in position, and the biggest punt in New Zealand.
There are always unlucky guys, none more so than Matt Todd who's playing fantastic rugby for the Crusaders while Jordan Taufua, Brad Weber, and Cory Jane can also feel a tad aggrieved.
But you can't pick everyone, and I think the selectors have got this 32-man squad bang on.
Newshub.