The Rugby Championship
All Blacks call on Faumuina
ESPN Staff
August 5, 2012
The Highlanders' Tony Brown attempts to tackle the Blues' Charlie Faumuina, Blues v Highlanders, Super Rugby, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, June 17, 2011
Blues prop Charlie Faumuina has won an All Blacks call-up © Getty Images
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Blues prop Charlie Faumuina is the only new face in the New Zealand squad for the forthcoming Rugby Championship.

The 25-year-old missed out on a possible first cap in the All Blacks' June series against Ireland due to a calf injury, but he has now been handed another chance to impress by coach Steve Hansen.

"We would like to congratulate Charlie on his selection. He had to wait a while to get over his calf injury before he could be selected officially in the All Blacks, so it will be exciting for him and his family. He's an outstanding front rower and we look forward to seeing him play at the next level," Hansen said.

Japan-bound centre Sonny Bill Williams has not been included in the initial squad, but could play some part in the tournament if contract niggles can be overcome.

Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane returns from injury to take his place among the back-three options, while his provincial team-mate Conrad Smith has been named despite not being available until the third round of matches due to an eye problem.

The All Blacks get their campaign underway against Australia in Sydney on August 18.

New Zealand:

Forwards: A Hore (Taranaki), K Mealamu (Auckland), W Crockett (Canterbury), C Faumuina (Auckland), B Franks (Canterbury), O Franks (Canterbury), T Woodcock (North Harbour), B Retallick (Bay of Plenty), L Romano (Canterbury), S Whitelock (Canterbury), S Cane (Bay of Plenty), R McCaw (Canterbury, capt), L Messam (Waikato), K Read (Canterbury), A Thomson (Otago), V Vito (Wellington)

Backs: A Smith (Manawatu), P Weepu (Auckland), D Carter (Canterbury), A Cruden (Manawatu), T Ellison (Otago), M Nonu (Wellington), C Smith (Wellington), I Dagg (Hawke's Bay), H Gear (Wellington), C Jane (Wellington), B Smith (Otago), J Savea (Wellington)

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