Photo: PhotoSport
Experienced All Blacks TJ Perenara, Patrick Tuipulotu and Damian McKenzie are the headline names in the inaugural All Blacks 15 squad for two matches in Europe next month.
Set to play Ireland A in Dublin and the Barbarians in London, the 28-strong squad to be coached by Leon MacDonald but picked by the All Blacks selectors was announced on Monday.
Blues lock and skipper Tuipulotu was named captain and would be joined by Hurricanes halfback Perenara and Chiefs utility back McKenzie.
The latter would be back in a black jersey after returning in June from a six-month playing stint in Japan.
Other recent All Blacks in the squad were halfback Brad Weber, loose forward Luke Jacobson, hooker Asafo Aumua and props Aidan Ross and Angus Ta'avao.
Along with those with All Blacks experience, the playing group included a number of emerging prospects from the NPC.
All Blacks coach and selector Ian Foster said the squad was a mixture of experienced players and some younger talent coming through that they were keen to see in a Northern Hemisphere environment.
"It's a great opportunity for them to play with a black jersey on, in a different environment and test themselves against different game plans and styles.
"Hopefully, that will help prepare us really well in another part of our building blocks for the Rugby World Cup next year."
MacDonald, who would be assisted by Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen, said they were expecting an intense challenge from both Ireland A and the Barbarians.
"These two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage.
"The selection panel have named a dynamic All Blacks XV squad, with eight capped All Blacks who know how to perform at this level and emerging talent.
"To play at international level is extremely valuable for the players and I am looking forward to guiding the team in what will be a first for the All Blacks XV."
The squad would assemble on 28 October, before travelling to Dublin.
They were scheduled to play Ireland A on 4 November and the Barbarians at Tottenham Stadium in London on 13 November.
All Blacks XV squad:
Forwards: Asafo Aumua (Wellington), George Bell (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canty), Finlay Brewis (Canty), Oli Jager (Canty), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Angus Ta'avao (Auckland), Tamaiti Williams (Canty), Josh Dickson (Otago), Zach Gallagher (Canty), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland - captain), Dominic Gardiner (Canty), Billy Harmon (Canty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay).
Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Brad Weber (Hawke's Bay), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Levi Aumua (Tasman), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), AJ Lam (Auckland), Ruben Love (Wellington), Mark Telea (North Harbour).
