Five new faces for All Blacks but World cup still the goal

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has included five uncapped players in a 35-man squad for the All Blacks’ tour next month.

Prop Neemia Tialata, lock Jason Eaton, loose forwards Angus MacDonald and Chris Masoe, and utility back Isaia Toeava are the new faces.

“Developing depth is part of our strategy going forward,” said Henry. “With Angus and Chris we’ve picked a couple of new players who have, or are developing, broad skill sets. Both also have the ability to cover more than one position.”

“(Masoe) is very destructive and it will be interesting to see how he develops playing at seven on this tour,” Henry said.

“Isaia is a player who can play 10, 12, 13, wing or full-back, so he has huge utility value,” Henry explained.

“When we come to World Cup time and are only permitted to pick 30 players, that utility value is going to be very important.”

Former captain Anton Oliver, who missed the series victory over the Lions and the Tri-Nations through injury, returns to the squad, as does star fly-half Daniel Carter after his recovery from a broken leg.

The All Blacks are attempting to become the first New Zealand team to complete a ‘Grand Slam’ over the four home unions since Graham Mourie’s side in 1978.

But Henry insists the 2007 World Cup remains the ultimate prize. “We’ve got two tours, this year’s tour and next year’s tour to hone guys for the World Cup,” he added. “If we put all the eggs in the Grand Slam basket I think we can come unstuck.

“If we have the same attitude as last year’s tour to Europe when we went out to play attractive rugby, then the rest will take care of itself. If the Grand Slam happens that’s a bonus.”

New Zealand squad:

Backs: Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Ma’a Nonu (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (Wellington, captain), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Jimmy Cowan (Southland).

Forwards: Carl Hayman (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour), John Afoa (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Ali Williams (Auckland), Chris Jack (Canterbury), James Ryan (Otago), Rodney So’oialo (Wellington), Mose Tuiali’i (Canterbury), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Chris Masoe (Taranaki), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Angus Macdonald (Auckland).