New Zealand is to send an experienced side in search of a second straight IRB Under-21 World Cup title after ten Super 12 players were selected in the 26-man squad.

The New Zealand side, also includes 10 returnees from last year's successful campaign where New Zealand shaded Australia 21-10 in the final.

The touring party, which was named after a four-day camp and final trial at Palmerston North, includes last year's IRB Under-21 Player of the Year, All Black Ben Atiga, who made his Test debut during last year's Rugby World Cup.

Atiga and his Blues team-mate, first five-eighths Luke McAlister, have been included subject to their availability as both have been invited to next week's All Blacks trial in Auckland.

North Harbour's Nick Williams and Wellington's Cory Jane have been placed on stand-by to cover the two senior national triallists, as well as Wellington loose forward Thomas Waldrom who has been named subject to proving his fitness. The pair will remain with the squad in the interim to train.

Atiga, Blues prop John Afoa and Hurricanes halfback Piri Weepu are the most experienced players amongst the Super 12 contingent included; with all three having gathered nine caps during this year's competition.

Highlanders fullback Glen Horton and Crusaders winger Tony Koonwaiyou each managed six appearances in their debut Super 12 seasons, while Blues flanker Jerome Kaino featured four times.

The other players with professional playing experience in the squad are Chiefs hooker John Pareanga, Hurricanes loose forward Thomas Waldrom, Highlanders halfback Toby Morland and McAlister. The latter showed his excellent temperament by kicking 15 points at his only Super 12 start for the Blues against the Cats at Ellis Park.

New Zealand Sevens representative Rudi Wulf is also in the squad after attending last year's tournament.

As well as attempting to defend its title, New Zealand is chasing an age-group double for the season after the Under-19 side won its World Cup in South Africa earlier in the year.

Two players who were members of that side, Auckland winger James Somerset and Canterbury No 8 Mikaele Tuu'u, have also made the Under-21s.

Both Somerset and Tuu'u featured in the playing XV that beat France 34-11 in the Under-19 final in South Africa.

The New Zealand Under-21 side to contest the IRB World Cup in Scotland next month is: Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Ben Atiga (Auckland), Glen Horton (Otago), Thomas Waldrom (Wellington), James Gopperth (Wellington), James Somerset (Auckland), Rudi Wulff (North Harbour), Tony Koonwaiyou (Auckland), Ben Smith (Otago), Tamati Ellison (Wellington), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Toby Morland (Otago), Jonathon Poff (Canterbury), Mikaele Tuu'u (Canterbury), George Naoupu (Canterbury), Kurtis Haiu (Auckland), Craig Clark (Canterbury), James Ryan (Otago), John Afoa (Auckland), Ben Franks (Canterbury), John Schwalger (Wellington), Karl Haitana (North Harbour), Ti'i Paulo (Canterbury), John Pareanga (Waikato).