New Zealand rugby coach Steve Hansen has announced his 33-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby Championship with Vaea Fifita and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen the big omissions from the squad.
Kieran Read returns and is fully fit after being ruled out of the June Test series against France with a back injury.
Dane Coles is named in the team though likely won't return to All Blacks action until October.
Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick also returns to the side after 11 months away from Test rugby.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said it was tough leaving out some quality players in the squad
"The selectors found this an incredibly difficult squad to select, and whilst we congratulate those who've been named in the Rugby Championship team, we also commiserate with those who've missed out," said Hansen.
"It has to be noted that there are some very good players who have not made the squad. However, as we've seen in previous campaigns, a number of these players will get an opportunity through injury, just like Liam and Ngani already.
"One of the positives of having such a talented pool to select from is that it creates natural competition, not only for spots in the Rugby Championship squad, but also the matchday 23. That competition should remove any feelings of complacency within our playing group."
Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Atu Moli and Jordan Taufua were not considered for selection due to injury.
All Blacks squad for Rugby Championship
Hookers: Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Dane Coles
Props: Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Ofa Tuungafasi, Karl Tu'inukuafe
Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock
Loose Forwards: Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock, Kieran Read, Jackson Hemopo.
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
First-Fives: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga
Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams
Outside Backs: Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith
Injury cover: Liam Coltman, Ngani Laumape
SHARE ME