29 Oct 2012

Two new caps in All Blacks touring squad

4:40 pm on 29 October 2012

There are two new caps in the 32-man All Black squad to tour Europe next month.

The Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles and Chiefs halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow have been named by coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen says Coles and Kerr-Barlow are young and exciting players and have shown this year that they look more than capable of stepping up to test match rugby.

Piri Weepu is again fortunate to be selected with the top form of Canterbury's World Cup-winning halfback Andy Ellis.

Another controversial call is the return of the All Blacks' second-most capped lock, 75-test veteran Ali Williams, who missed most of the season recovering from knee surgery.

Highlanders loosie Adam Thomson is also named even though he has yet to sign a New Zealand contract past this year.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include Anthony Boric, Colin Slade and Richard Kahui.