All Blacks name squad for France series

The All Blacks have called up ten uncapped players for their three-Test series against France this summer.
Coach Steven Hansen announced his 38-man wider squad today which would be finalised on June 2 to face Les Bleus after two camps held in Mt Maunganui.
Blues flanker Steven Luatua heads the list of impressive new talent after an excellent start to the Super 15 campaign.  Sevens convert Frank Halai was also named in the squad.
These men join Charles Pilutau, Francis Saili, TJ Perenara, Brad Shields, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Dominic Bird, Tom Taylor and Ben Afeaki as the All Blacks look to build for the future.
Elsewhere, the squad features just one openside flanker in Sam cane, with Matt Todd and Luke Braid failing to make the grade.
Experienced Highlanders Ma’a Nonu, Andrew Hore, Hosea Gear and Tony Woodcock make the list, even though their side has only recorded one victory in ten this season.  Aaron Smith and the impressive Ben Smith will also join up from the struggling Super 15 side.
“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.”
All Blacks 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.