Loose forward Hoskins Sotutu is one of 10 former or current All Blacks named in the All Blacks XV squad for their Northern tour.
Sotutu, not selected by new head coach Scott Robertson this year, has been given a lifeline through his selection in the 29-man squad which will play Munster in Ireland and Georgia in France.
Sotutu, 26, outstanding for the Blues last season, was the subject of a recently deleted social media post by Akira Ioane, who said his former Super Rugby teammate should leave New Zealand to represent England, where he also qualifies.
Ioane is now playing in Japan. Sotutu has previously hinted at his disappointment at his non selection for the All Blacks.
The other former or current All Blacks are prop George Bower, lock Josh Lord, halfbacks Noah Hotham and Finlay Christie, first-five Harry Plummer, midfielder Quin Tupaea, wing Emoni Narawa and fullback Shaun Stevenson.
There is no room for Blues and Taranaki hooker Ricky Riccetelli, with head coach Clayton McMillan and his selectors preferring Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund and Bradley Slater.
McMillan, the Chiefs head coach, will be assisted by Cory Jane, Jamie Mackintosh and David Hill.
McMillan, who was in camp with the All Blacks ahead of their Test in Wellington last month, said: "Congratulations to those selected, this is a special moment for the players and their whānau to represent their country.
"Every player will be looking to put their best foot forward in what will be two intense matches up north, in front of passionate fans. It's great to have a mix of experience and emerging talent, with players rewarded for solid Super Rugby Pacific and provincial seasons."
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, who helped select the squad, said: "I am really pleased with the mix of this squad, having players with All Blacks experience alongside emerging talent is important.
"As an All Black coaching group, we are excited to see these players perform in a Northern Hemisphere environment, to test themselves against different playing styles and build cohesion quickly within the team. With both teams in the Northern Hemisphere at the same time, it's a great chance for the talent who have worked so hard to be given this opportunity to gain experience and express themselves on the international stage."
A small number of players from the All Blacks XV squad will travel early to Japan with the All Blacks to help with their preparation and gain additional experience in the All Blacks environment, before joining up with the All Blacks XV squad to play Munster and Georgia in November.
All Blacks XV squad for Northern tour
Forwards (17)
Props: Xavier Numia, George Dyer, Saula Ma’u, Marcel Renata, George Bower; Hookers: Brodie McAlister, Kurt Eklund, Bradley Slater; Locks: Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Naitoa Ah Kuoi; Loose Forwards: Du’Plessis Kirifi, Peter Lakai, Hoskins Sotutu, Oliver Haig, Christian Lio-Willie.
Backs (12)
Halfbacks: Noah Hotham, Finlay Christie; First five-eighths: Harry Plummer, Josh Jacomb; Midfielders: Quinn Tupaea, Riley Higgins, AJ Lam, Dallas McLeod; Outside backs: Kiniviliame Naholo, Emoni Narawa, Chay Fihaki, Shaun Stevenson.
All Blacks XV matches:
• Sunday, November 3: All Blacks XV v Munster, 6.30AM NZT, Thomond Park Limerick, Ireland
• Monday, November 11: All Blacks XV v Georgia, 2.00AM NZT, GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France
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