all black squad for matches against ireland and wales

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Anthony Boric North Harbour (13)
Aled de Malmanche Waikato (2)
Tom Donnelly Otago (6)
Ben Franks Tasman (uncapped)
Owen Franks Canterbury (9)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (25)
Richie McCaw (capt) Canterbury (80)
Keven Mealamu Auckland (71)
Kieran Read Canterbury (16)
Adam Thomson Otago (15)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (37)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (41)
Victor Vito * Wellington
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (61)

Backs:

Daniel Carter Canterbury (66)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (33)
Aaron Cruden * Manawatu
Israel Dagg * Hawke’s Bay
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay (2)
Cory Jane Wellington (12)
Richard Kahui Waikato (8)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (82)
Josevata Rokocoko Auckland (60)
Conrad Smith Wellington (33)
Benson Stanley * Auckland
Piri Weepu Wellington (35)

* Denotes new cap
Number of Test caps in brackets

The four new caps in the squad are 21-year-old Manawatu and Hurricanes first five-eighth Aaron Cruden, his Hurricanes teammate, 23-year-old Wellington loose forward Victor Vito, 22-year-old Hawke’s Bay and Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg and 25-year-old Auckland and Blues midfield back Benson Stanley.

Cruden’s call-up to the All Blacks caps a fairy-tale for the young player, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. He fought back from the disease to captain New Zealand to the IRB World Under 20 title last year, picked up the IRB Junior Player of the Year title, and continued his top form this year in his first season of Rebel Sport Super 14 rugby.

Israel Dagg was a goal-kicking and try-scoring standout in his second year with the Highlanders, which came on the back of his splendid form for Hawke’s Bay over the last few seasons. Dagg has also played for New Zealand Sevens, New Zealand Under 19 and New Zealand Schools.

Benson Stanley, the nephew of former All Blacks midfielder Joe Stanley, made his provincial debut in 2003 and had the rugby public taking serious notice this year with his strong attacking and defensive game. He is also a growing leader, captaining Auckland in last year’s Air New Zealand Cup.

With just two Rebel Sport Super 14 seasons behind him, Victor Vito has developed into a dynamic loose forward for the Hurricanes and Wellington. The Classics and Law student burst onto the international stage in 2008 as a member of the New Zealand Sevens squad and was a member of the New Zealand Under 19 team in 2006.

As well as the new caps, another feature of the All Blacks squad is the return of Canterbury and Crusaders prop Ben Franks who joins his propping brother and 2009 All Blacks debutant Owen in the squad. They are the latest set of brothers to selected in the same All Blacks squad and follow in the footsteps of the most recent pair of siblings, Nathan and Aaron Mauger, who were selected in 2001.

The All Blacks squad features 14 forwards and 12 backs and will again be captained by Richie McCaw. Meanwhile, Canterbury and Crusaders lock teammate Sam Whitelock will assemble with the All Blacks squad as cover.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said he and fellow coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen were excited by the challenges that awaited the squad in the Steinlager Series.

“We have selected what is a balanced squad; with a mix of experienced All Blacks, past players who’ve shown huge character and drive to become part of the All Blacks again, as well as new caps who have been the form players of the Rebel Sport Super 14,” he said.

“It’s an exciting mix and the players will be looking forward to testing themselves against the Welsh and the Irish,” Henry added.

Henry said Wales and Ireland would again be formidable foes for the All Blacks.

“They are both bringing very experienced squads and both have won Grand Slams in recent years. They have very good rugby players and we are expecting them to be incredibly challenging Test matches,” he said.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Mike Delany (shoulder), Stephen Donald (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Ma’a Nonu (knee), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles).

The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp next week before heading to New Plymouth on Sunday to prepare for the first Steinlager Series Test against Ireland.

All Blacks Steinlager Series

• Saturday 12 June, All Blacks vs Ireland, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
• Saturday 19 June, All Blacks vs Wales, Carisbrook, Dunedin
• Saturday 26 June, All Blacks vs Wales, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton