Jarrad Hoeata of the Highlanders has been rewarded for a stellar Super RUgby season. Photo: Getty Images
Duncan Johnstone
July 10, 2011Highlanders lock Jarrad Hoeata is the newcomer in the All Blacks squad named for the Tri Nations.
The squad, which will be captained by All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, is made up of 16 forwards and 14 backs and packs huge experience with 1028 test caps between them.
Hoeata, started every match for the Highlanders this year in his outstanding second Super Rugby season.
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The 27-year-old, who was born in Tauranga, made his provincial debut in 2006, played for the New Zealand Sevens team the same year and also featured strongly for New Zealand Maori last year.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: "We are excited to be naming this first squad of the year in what is undoubtedly a huge year not only for the All Blacks but the country as a whole."
Henry also offered his congratulations to Hoeata.
"He is the only new All Black selected so this will be a very special moment for him. He thoroughly deserves his selection and we congratulate him."
Four players named in the Tri Nations squad are recovering from injuries - Tony Woodcock (foot), Isaia Toeava (hip), Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh muscle) - so the All Blacks selectors have also announced that four players will assemble with the squad as injury cover: Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett, Hurricanes winger Cory Jane, Chiefs winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and Highlanders winger Ben Smith.
Henry said they were confident that the rehabilitation plans in place for the four injured players would see them play some part in the Tri Nations.
"They are all making good progress on their individual rehab plans and will play some ITM Cup games before returning to test match rugby."
The squad also sees the return of a number of players to the All Blacks, most notably 61-test Blues and All Blacks lock Ali Williams who made his rugby comeback this year after two years out of the game with Achilles and shoulder injuries.
Corey Flynn, Richard Kahui and Piri Weepu also return to the All Blacks after injury ruled them out of contention for last year's Grand Slam tour to the northern hemisphere.
Colin Slade got the job of backing up Dan Carter, heading off Aaron Cruden despite his thin diet of rugby this year because of two broken jaws.
Notable absentees include Joe Rokocoko, Neemia Tialata, Luke McAlister, Hikawera Elliot, Alby Mathewson, Victor Vito and Tom Donnelly.
Crusaders wing Zac Guildford has received a recall on the back of a busy Super Rugby campaign.
One player, Blues and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric was not considered due to the foot injury, suffered in the Blues' Super Rugby Finals Series qualifying match against the Waratahs last month.
"Our first test against Fiji in Dunedin will be an important first step in our season, plus there's extra significance because we are playing for the people of Canterbury. The thoughts of the team are still with the folk of Canterbury as they try to rebuild their lives so we hope we see as many fans as possible at Carisbrook for this fundraising match," Henry added.
"The Tri Nations also remains an important competition for the team this year. We are proud of the record we have achieved over the years and the fact that we have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and it is crucial as we look to build towards the Rugby World Cup."
The All Blacks will continue their preparations with a two-day camp in Auckland next week (Thursday and Friday). The team will then assemble in Dunedin on Monday July 18 to prepare for the Test against Fiji at Carisbrook on Friday 22 July.
The All Blacks kick off their Tri Nations campaign the following weekend on Saturday 30 July against South Africa at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
Squad:
BACKS: Mils Muliaina, Hosea Gear, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Andy Ellis, Piri Weepu, Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Isaia Toeava, Colin Slade.
FORWARDS: Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Adam Thomson, Liam Messam, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Sam Whitelock, Jarrad Hoeata, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock
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