Six uncapped players have been included in the All Blacks squad to face France in three home Tests this month.

The squad of 32 includes three uncapped Blues players – fullback Charles Piutau, inside centre Francis Saili and flanker Steven Luatua.

The three other players yet to play Test rugby are Crusaders flanker Matt Todd, Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush and Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki.

Todd has been specifically named as injury cover for lock Sam Whitelock, who has a fractured finger but is included in the squad.

Kieran Read is captain in place of Richie McCaw, who is completing his six-month break from rugby.

The first Test is in Auckland on Saturday.

All Blacks squad:

Backs: Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Charles Piutau, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow

Forwards: Kieran Read (capt), Victor Vito, Liam Messam, Steven Luatua, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Ben Afeaki, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles.