New Zealand name squad for European tour

Five players are in line to make their All Blacks debut after Steven Hensen named his New Zealand squad for the November internationals in Europe.
Lead once again by Richie McCaw, the 36-man squad will start their tour in Tokyo against Japan before taking on France, Ireland and England.
Crusaders trio prop Joe Moody, lock Dominic Bird and flanker Luke Whitelock, Blues winger Frank Halai and Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara are the five uncapped players while Hurricanes flanker and U20s captain Ardie Savea – brother of Julian – will travel with the squad as an ‘apprentice’.
New Zealand travel to Europe on the back of ten consecutive wins but they’ll be aiming to finished the year unbeaten after falling at the last hurdle with England winning an epic Test at Twickenham.
Hansen said: “The aim of the tour is to further develop our game structures, our skills sets and our individual players.
“We will be looking to use the tour to take ourselves beyond where we are at the moment.”
New Zealand squad:
Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Tony Woodcock, Dominic Bird, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw (Capt.), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Luke Whitelock.
Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty, Ma’a Nonu, Francis Saili, Israel Dagg, Frank Halai, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.