Waisake Naholo has been named as one of five debutants © Getty Images

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The Hurricanes and the Highlanders' Super Rugby success has been reflected in the two franchises providing four of the five uncapped players in the first All Blacks squad of the year.mThe Hurricanes, who topped the regular season, supply two newcomers in fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder and lock James Broadhurst.

The Highlanders, the other New Zealand side in the semi-finals, have had winger Waisake Naholo and five-eighth Lima Sopoaga break into the 41-man squad named on Sunday. The fifth new face is Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor.

Naholo's form this year had been put him firmly in the frame for selection. He continued his break-out Super Rugby season with two tries against the Chiefs on Saturday night to take his year's tally to 11, eclipsing Jeff Wilson's 1998 Highlanders record.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he understood the issue of Naholo getting a release from a contract he had signed with French club Clermont had been sorted. Hansen has clearly been impressed by the 24-year-old Fiji-born flyer, saying he had been in particularly good form.

"I thought he was outstanding last night, so really looking forward to working with him once the Highlanders finish their run," Hansen said. "He looks something special."

Taylor comes in as one of four hookers, with Hika Elliot capping a remarkable comeback from a serious neck injury to be included along with Dane Coles and Keven Mealamu. Elliot, 29, played three Tests between 2010-2012, but his career was in jeopardy after a neck injury he suffered representing the Maori All Blacks in 2013.

The squad also contains Blues outside back Charles Piutau, who in March surprised NZ rugby bosses by announcing he was heading overseas next year. Two other players have been named as immediate injury replacements - Crusaders Nepo Laulala and Andy Ellis.

Laulala has been called in for Blues prop Charlie Faumuina, who will miss the early part of the Rugby Championship because of a neck injury. The 26-cap Ellis is in for Chiefs half-back Tawera Kerr-Barlow, who is being released to get more game time as he comes back from a knee injury.

Not considered because of injury were five-eighth Aaron Cruden, halfback Augustine Pulu, hooker Nathan Harris, loose forward Stephen Luatua and lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

Hansen will draw from the squad for five Tests: Samoa on July 8 (minus players involved in the Super Rugby final), the shortened Rugby Championship and an additional Test against Australia. The number will be culled to a 31-strong World Cup, which will be named on August 30.

Backs: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Charles Piutau, Cory Jane, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Matt Todd, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Luke Romano, James Broadhurst, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Hika Elliot.