New Zealand rugby
Ten uncapped players in NZ squad
May 14, 2013
The Hurricanes' TJ Perenara passes the ball against the Highlanders, Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Denedin, March 15, 2013
Hurricanes scrum-half TJ Perenara's impressive form has seen him called up to the All Blacks' squad © Getty Images
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Preparation for the All Blacks' three-Test series against France in June begins this weekend for 38 players announced by coach Steve Hansen on Tuesday.

Among the squad are 10 uncapped players, including four from the Blues and three from the Hurricanes.

Among those selected are the ever-impressive Steven Luatua, Sevens convert Frank Halai, pacy fullback Charles Piutau and the improving Francis Saili. The players join TJ Perenara, Brad Shields, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Dominic Bird, Tom Taylor and Ben Afeaki as the newest crop of players to make the grade for the wider training squad.

Having been beset by injury in 2012, Perenara has been impressive in 2013 alongside blockbusting loose forward Brad Shields. The squad features just one openside flanker in Sam Cane, with Matt Todd and Luke Braid missing out.

Despite winning just one of 10 matches this season, the Highlanders have six representatives in the group. Despite patchy seasons, the pair of Aaron Smith and Ma'a Nonu feature, as does Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear, Tony Woodcock and the impressive Ben Smith.

The progression of Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Perenara means there is no room for Andy Ellis, who will play his 100th Super Rugby match for the Crusaders on Saturday. Rene Ranger features in the squad despite questions over a potential departure, while Tamati Ellison doesn't have the same luck.

The two camps, to be held in Mt Maunganui, will provide the players with plenty of time to prepare for the three-Test series against France in June.

"The camps will give us the opportunity to prepare a foundation on which we can grow our game throughout the Steinlager Series," Hansen said. "As it did last year, it will also give us a small window of opportunity to introduce some young players into the ways of the All Blacks and allow both these players and All Blacks management to get to know each other a little better."

Hansen hasn't ruled out an All Blacks call-up for those outside of the 38-man training squad, and said form would be continually monitored and additional announcements around the squad would be made if need be.

The squad for the series against France will be named on June 2.

All Blacks wider training squad

Blues: Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Piri Weepu and Ali Williams.

Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Victor Vito.

Crusaders: Dominic Bird, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Taylor and Samuel Whitelock.

Highlanders: Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock.

© Sportal

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