New Zealand Rugby
Kiwis call up Coles and Kerr-Barlow
ESPN Staff
October 29, 2012
Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles looks for support, Hurricanes v Melbourne Rebels, Super Rugby, Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, May 26, 2012
Dane Coles has been called up by the All Blacks © PA Photos
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The All Blacks have called up uncapped duo Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Dane Coles ahead of their tour to the northern hemisphere.

The pair both earned their call ups on the back of impressive form in Super Rugby and the ITM Cup with scrum-half Kerr-Barlow excelling for the Chiefs and hooker Coles impressing for the Hurricanes. Steve Hansen praised the duo saying: "I would like to congratulate Tawera and Dane on their selection.

"It is always a special occasion when you are picked for the All Blacks and we look forward to welcoming them into the All Blacks family. They are young and exciting players and have shown this year that they look more than capable of stepping up to Test match rugby."

Elsewhere, there is a recall for veteran lock Ali Williams who last played for the All Blacks back in June. And Adam Thomson is also included despite his New Zealand Rugby Union contract coming to an end soon and reports suggesting he is set to journey to Japan.

Richie McCaw will captain the squad but there is no place for injured trio Colin Slade (leg), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Anthony Boric (neck). They kick off their four-Test programme against Scotland on November 11 and Hansen is relishing the chance to take his team to the northern hemisphere as they look to kick on from their victorious Rugby Championship campaign.

"Tours to the northern hemisphere always bring unique challenges and this tour will be no different," Hansen said. "For many of the newer players in the All Blacks it will be the first time they have experienced Test matches in the UK and Europe and they are always big occasions.

"Overall, the team has been very happy with what we have achieved so far this year, but nothing has changed - we are always looking to put in performances we are proud of and we are always looking to improve - and that is what we will be wanting to do on this tour."

All Blacks touring squad:

Forwards: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Ali Williams, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Victor Vito

Backs: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden, Tamati Ellison, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Ben Smith

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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