Wellington - Loose forward Akira Ioane is the only uncapped player named on Tuesday in New Zealand coach Steve Hansen's first extended squad of the Rugby World Cup year.
Ioane was named along with winger and brother Rieko Ioane in a 41-man squad which will assemble for the first time in 2019 at a one-day camp in Wellington next week.
Despite the larger group, which indicates Hansen's initial thinking around his World Cup squad, no place was found for 36-year-old Ma'a Nonu, the former All Blacks centre who has returned to Super Rugby this season after playing in France.
Flanker Sam Cane, who hasn't played since last October because of a neck injury, has been named as has winger Waisake Naholo who is out of action with a knee injury.
Hansen will name his 31-man World Cup squad after the Rugby Championship.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards
Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Joe Moody, Angus Ta'avao, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Jackson Hemopo, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Akira Ioane, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd, Luke Whitelock
Backs
TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith
Which of the 4 South African team will finish with the fewest Super Rugby SA Conference points?
