New Zealand coach Graham Henry has announced four new caps in his squad for Tests against Ireland and Wales next month.
Hurricanes fly-half Aaron Cruden, team-mate and loose forward Victor Vito, Highlanders full-back Israel Dagg and Blues midfielder Benson Stanley are the new faces in the 26-man squad announced by New Zealand Rugby Union acting chairman Mike Eagle on Sunday.
Cruden's call-up as back-up to Dan Carter caps a fairy-tale for the 21-year-old, 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 Super 14 rugby.
Vito was a standout in the Hurricanes pack during this year's Super 14, while Dagg was a constant attacking threat from deep in an otherwise struggling Highlanders outfit.
Stanley, the nephew of former All Blacks midfielder Joe Stanley, has been one of the most consistent players for the Blues this year with a strong attacking and defensive game and will bolster a midfield area that has been hit hard by injuries.
Reflecting on the selection of the four new players, Henry said of Cruden: ‘He is a young man who has got a lot of authority and runs a team exceptionally well.
‘We've been very impressed with his ability to do that.
‘Israel Dagg has got great core skills for a full-back and is an exciting attacking player,’ added the All Blacks coach.
‘Benson Stanley has tremendous respect from his peers and is a strong defensive player, while Victor Vito has the core skills to play loose forward and is a good line-out player.’
The squad also featured recalls for scrum-half Piri Weepu, wing Joe Rokocoko and prop Ben Franks, who has yet to play a Test after featuring against Munster two years ago. Franks joins his brother, and fellow prop, Owen in the squad.
The Chiefs trio of Mils Muliaina, Richard
Kahui and Aled de Malmanche were all selected despite injury concerns in recent weeks.
There was no room however for Luke McAlister who has struggled with injuries and form during the Super 14. He has been named in the New Zealand Maori side as has openside flanker Tanerau Latimer, who was back-up to captain Richie McCaw during last year's end of year tour.
As expected loose forward Rodney So'oialo was not selected either after being released to play for the Barbarians in their matches against Ireland and England.
Injuries also ruled out Andrew Hore (shoulder), Ali Williams (Achilles), Ma'a Nonu (knee), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Mike Delany (shoulder), Jason Eaton (knee), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Stephen Donald (shoulder).
‘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 Super 14,’ Henry said.
‘It's an exciting mix and the players will be looking forward to testing themselves against the Welsh and the Irish.’
New Zealand squad for Tests against Ireland and Wales (two):
Backs: Mils Muliaina (Chiefs), Cory Jane (Hurricanes), Israel Dagg (Highlanders)* Joe Rokocoko (Blues), Zac Guildford (Crusaders), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), Benson Stanley (Blues)*, Richard Kahui (Chiefs), Dan Carter (Crusaders), Aaron Cruden (Hurricanes)*, Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders), Piri Weepu (Hurricanes).
Forwards: Tony Woodcock (Blues), Ben Franks (Crusaders), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Neemia Tialata (Hurricanes), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Aled de Malmanche (Chiefs), Anthony Boric (Blues), Brad Thorn (Crusaders), Tom Donnelly (Highlanders), Victor Vito (Hurricanes)*, Richie McCaw (Crusaders, captain), Adam Thomson (Highlanders), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Kieran Read (Crusaders).
* New cap
