Old Boy Kerr-Barlow Named as All Black

<From stuff.co.nz>

Dane Coles and Tawera Kerr-Barlow are the new caps in the All Blacks squad named today for the four-test end-of-year tour.

A predictable All Blacks squad has been named for next month's European tour.

Coach Steve Hansen has selected the 28 players who played in the Rugby Championship, with Ali Williams the fourth lock, Kerr-Barlow the third halfback and Coles the third hooker.

"Firstly, I would like to congratulate Tawera and Dane on their selection," coach Steve Hansen said.

"It is always a special occasion when you are picked for the All Blacks and we look forward to welcoming them into the All Blacks family. They are young and exciting players and have shown this year that they look more than capable of stepping up to Test match rugby."

The squad also features the return of the All Blacks second-most capped lock, 75-test veteran Williams, who missed most of the All Blacks season recovering from knee surgery.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include Anthony Boric (neck), Colin Slade (leg) and Richard Kahui (shoulder).

The squad is made up of 18 forwards and 14 backs with a combined total of 1103 Test caps and will again be captained by 113-test All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw.

Hansen said the All Blacks players and management were looking forward to the European Tour.

"Tours to the Northern Hemisphere always bring unique challenges and this tour will be no different. For many of the newer players in the All Blacks it will be the first time they have experienced Test matches in the UK and Europe and they are always big occasions.

"Overall, the team has been very happy with what we have achieved so far this year, but nothing has changed - we are always looking to put in performances we are proud of and we are always looking to improve - and that is what we will be wanting to do on this tour."

The All Blacks will play Scotland on November 12, Italy on November 18, Wales on November 25 and England on December 2 (all NZ dates).

MORE TO COME

ALL BLACKS TOUR SQUAD

Forwards: Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Wyatt Crockett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick Luke Romano, Ali Williams, Richie McCaw (c), Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Victor Vito, Adam Thomson.

Backs: Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Ma'a Nonu, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ben Smith, Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Julian Savea, Israel Dagg.