All Blacks squad for tests against Ireland

[OrbitalDawn]

Forwards:
Kieran Read (Crusaders)
Richie McCaw (captain) (Crusaders)
Victor Vito (Hurricanes)
Adam Thomson (Highlanders)
Sam Cane* (Chiefs)
Luke Romano* (Crusaders)
Ali Williams (Blues)
Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
Brodie Retallick* (Chiefs)
Andrew Hore (Highlanders)
Keven Mealamu (Blues)
Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders)
Ben Franks (Crusaders)
Owen Franks (Crusaders)
Ben Tameifuna* (Chiefs)
Tony Woodcock (Blues)

Backs:
Israel Dagg (Crusaders)
Ben Smith (Highlanders)
Julian Savea* (Hurricanes)
Zac Guildford (Crusaders)
Hosea Gear (Highlanders)
Ma'a Nonu (Blues)
Conrad Smith (Hurricanes)
Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs)
Tamati Ellison (Highlanders)
Dan Carter (Crusaders)
Beauden Barrett* (Hurricanes)
Aaron Cruden (Chiefs)
Aaron Smith* (Highlanders)
Piri Weepu (Blues)

* indicates uncapped player

So that's 10 Crusaders, 6 Highlanders, 5 Chiefs, 5 Blues and 4 Hurricanes.

The shock inclusion is Weepu at the expense of Ellis. Would really have liked to see Ellis get another shot, he's been playing great rugby and Weepu has been struggling. I think Fruean also got snubbed, would probably have put him in ahead of Ellison. I'd have also have given Tom Taylor a spot ahead of Barrett.

All round it's a solid squad, though. Awesome to see Gear back in the AB jersey!

[OrbitalDawn]

No one else interested in the AB's?

...or only to such an extent that they lose to the Springboks?

[alf101]

Is Weepu playing prop?

This looks like an awesome side.

[Devill]

Is Weepu playing prop?

This looks like an awesome side.

Hahaha, trust a Cape Town person to comment.

J/j. This team has so many game breakers

[alf101]

Hahaha, trust a Cape Town person to comment.

J/j. This team has so many game breakers

Just bought the latest AB kit.

I'm so amped for this!

[OrbitalDawn]

Just bought the latest AB kit.

I'm so amped for this!

You did? ...where?

/hides

This team has so many game breakers

It does, hey? Dagg, Gear, Ellison, Smith, Nonu, Guildford... They've all made defensive lines cry this Super Rugby season. Really looking forward to the games!