Daniel Carter has returned from a sabbatical and Charles Piutau and Sam Cane are back from injuries as the All Blacks squad was announced earlier today for the Rugby Championships next month.
Carter missed the series win over England and takes his place in the squad at the expense of his Crusaders teammate, Colin Slade.
Charles Piutau has recovered from a knee injury and replaces Ryan Crotty while Chiefs openside flanker Sam Cane is in for Matt Todd.
Blues flanker, Steven Luatua, has also earned a place in the 31‑man squad, after being initially left out of the squad to play England.
The All Blacks will open their Rugby Championship campaign against the Wallabies on th 16th of next month.
Meanwhile, eight All Blacks will feature for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby final this weekend and this includes Captain Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Kieran Reid, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Wyatt Crockett, Dominic Bird and Sam Whitelock.
The Crusaders will take on the Waratahs at 9.30pm Saturday in the Super Rugby final.
[Source: Radio NZ]
The full squad: Forwards:
Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu; Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock/Joe Moody; Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock; Richie McCaw (capt), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua, Liam Messam, Kieran Read.
Backs:
Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara; Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden; Malakai Fekitoa, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith; Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julia Savea, Ben Smith.
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