All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has included 10 uncapped players in a 38-man training squad to attend two camps ahead of next month’s three-Test home series against France.
The Blues provide four uncapped players in fullback Charles Piutau, wing Frank Halai, midfield back Francis Saili and flanker Steven Luatua.
An uncapped trio from the Hurricanes are halfback TJ Perenara, flanker Brad Shields and prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.
The Crusaders provide utility back Tom Taylor and lock Dominic Bird while Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki is also uncapped.
Hansen recently said he would probably need to shed some experienced players as soon as this year to begin building for the 2015 World Cup.
However, the likes of hookers Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu, lock Ali Williams and midfield veterans Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu have all been included despite struggles with either injury or form.
Four halfbacks have been named but only one specialist openside flanker in Sam Cane, with Hansen not including uncapped No.7 hopefuls Matt Todd and Luke Braid.
Hansen said the camps would provide invaluable preparation time for the players and coaches ahead of the three-Test home series against France in June.
“As did last year, it will also give us a small window of opportunity to introduce some young players into the ways of the All Blacks and allow both these players and All Blacks management to get to know each other a little better,” Hansen said.
The All Blacks squad to play France will be named on June 2, one week out from the first Test in Auckland.
All Blacks training squad:-
Backs: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Hosea Gear, Rene Ranger, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Francis Saili, Tom Taylor, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Piri Weepu, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow.
Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Steven Luatua, Brad Shields, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Ali Williams, Dominic Bird, Owen Franks, Ben Afeaki, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Dane Coles.
