The first five-eighth Daniel Carter has been named in the All Blacks squad for their upcoming tour to the United States and Britain.
All Black first five Dan Carter Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Carter has only played half a game of provincial rugby since breaking his leg in the Super Rugby final, but has been included in the 34-player squad at the expense of Colin Slade.
Slade, who kicked the winning conversion against Australia on Saturday, is on standby in case Carter is unable to play.
Canterbury lock Luke Romano has also been named to make his international return after a long injury layoff.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says it's been decided to include Romano as a 34th player as the selectors felt, with a limited number of Tests next year before the Rugby World Cup, it is important to bring him back into the group and up to speed with the All Blacks strategies and skillsets.
Wellington loose forward Victor Vito is also back in the squad, at the expense of Auckland's Steven Luatua.
The highly anticipated return of Sonny Bill Williams has also been confirmed, while the halfback Augustine Pulu has been named in an official All Blacks squad for the first time after being called in as injury cover last week.
The All Blacks play the United States in an historic match in Chicago next week before tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
The squad assembles in Auckland on Sunday for the flight to Chicago.
New Zealand:
Hookers
Dane Coles (Wellington, 24 Tests)
Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty, 1)
Keven Mealamu (Auckland, 120)
Props
Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury, 33)
Charlie Faumuina (Auckland, 22)
Ben Franks (Hawke's Bay, 37)
Owen Franks (Canterbury, 63)
Joe Moody (Canterbury, 5)
Locks
Brodie Retallick (Bay of Plenty, 33)
Luke Romano (Canterbury, 16)
Jeremy Thrush (Wellington, 4)
Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland, 5)
Samuel Whitelock (Canterbury, 60)
Loose Forwards
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty, 21)
Jerome Kaino (Auckland, 54)
Richie McCaw - captain (Canterbury, 134)
Liam Messam (Waikato, 35)
Kieran Read (Canterbury, 69)
Victor Vito (Wellington, 24)
Backs
Halfbacks
TJ Perenara (Wellington, 7)
Augustine Pulu (Counties Manukau *)
Aaron Smith (Manawatu, 36)
First five-eighths
Beauden Barrett (Taranaki, 25)
Daniel Carter (Canterbury, 100)
Aaron Cruden (Manawatu, 35)
Midfielders
Ryan Crotty (Canterbury, 9)
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland, 6)
Conrad Smith (Wellington, 83)
Sonny Bill Williams (Counties Manukau, 19)
Outside backs
Israel Dagg (Hawke's Bay, 43)
Cory Jane (Wellington 52)
Charles Piutau (Auckland, 11)
Julian Savea (Wellington, 28)
Ben Smith (Otago, 35)
