Graham Henry announces first All Black squad for 2010.
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There are four new caps in a 26-man squad that will face Ireland once and Wales twice.
Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Benson Stanley and Victor Vito will pull the prized All Black jersey over their heads for the first time.
After a very good season Vito joins the formidable loose forward department, which include stalwart captain Richie McCaw. Vito is also a former All Black sevens player and his skills and pace will bring another dimension to the loose trio combination.
Dagg is a specialist fullback and will cover for Corey Jane. But his great skills and versatility can make him a utility player.
Stanley gets his chance after the back-line was hit by crippling injuries to Nonu, Kahui, Delany and Masaga.
Aaron Cruden is certainly one of the most exciting young fly-halfs to come out of New Zealand and will provide more than enough cover for Dan Carter.
Three players reclaim their spots in the squad after missing out last season. Scrum-half Piri Weepu, wing Joe Rokocoko and prop Ben Franks.
Fixtures:
Sat 12 June New Zealand v Ireland New Plymouth (07:35 GMT)
Sat 19 June New Zealand v Wales Dunedin (07:35 GMT)
Sat 26 June New Zealand v Wales Hamilton (07:35 GMT)
The squad:
Forwards:
Anthony Boric (13)
Aled de Malmanche (2)
Tom Donnelly (6)
Ben Franks (uncapped)
Owen Franks (9)
Jerome Kaino (25)
Richie McCaw (capt) (80)
Keven Mealamu (71)
Kieran Read (16)
Adam Thomson (15)
Brad Thorn (37)
Neemia Tialata (41)
Victor Vito *
Tony Woodcock (61)
Backs:
Daniel Carter (66)
Jimmy Cowan (33)
Aaron Cruden *
Israel Dagg *
Zac Guildford (2)
Cory Jane (12)
Richard Kahui (8)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (82)
Josevata Rokocoko (60)
Conrad Smith (33)
Benson Stanley *
Piri Weepu (35)
* Denotes new caps
Number of Test caps appear in brackets.
[Article by James Loretz for www.rugby15.co.za] [james@rugby15.co.za]
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