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All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have announced the All Blacks squad
John Afoa Auckland
Anthony Boric North Harbour
Dan Carter Canterbury
Stephen Donald Waikato
Andy Ellis Canterbury
Andrew Hore Taranaki
Richard Kahui Waikato
Jerome Kaino Auckland
Sione Lauaki Waikato
Brendon Leonard Waikato
Richie McCaw (c) Canterbury
Leon MacDonald Canterbury
Keven Mealamu Auckland
Mils Muliaina Waikato
Ma’a Nonu Wellington
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato
Conrad Smith Wellington
Greg Somerville Canterbury
Rodney So’oialo Wellington
Adam Thomson Otago
Brad Thorn Tasman
Neemia Tialata Wellington
Anthony Tuitavake North Harbour
Ali Williams Tasman
Tony Woodcock North Harbour
Rudi Wulf North Harbour
The 26-man squad includes six first-time selections: North Harbour’s Anthony Boric, Anthony Tuitavake and Rudi Wulf; Waikato’s Stephen Donald and Richard Kahui; and Otago’s Adam Thomson. “The new players impressed in the Rebel Sport Super 14 and played their way into the squad,” said Henry. “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.”
Two players in the squad are carrying injuries that will rule them out of selection for at least the first Test on Saturday. Prop Tony Woodcock has a toe injury and halfback Brendon Leonard a bruised knee. Consequently, the Hurricanes’ John Schwalger and the Highlanders’ Jimmy Cowan will assemble with the All Blacks squad in Wellington this afternoon.
Henry noted that the first Tests 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.”
Meanwhile, Blues wing Joe Rokocoko was not considered for selection due to injury.