Taine Randell returns as captain to lead a new-look All Blacks rugby squad named today for next month's three-test tour of Europe.
Coach John Mitchell named 12 uncapped players, including 10 brand new All Blacks for the tour, which comprises tests against England (Nov 9), France (Nov 16) and Wales (Nov
23).
As he had indicated he would do, Mitchell opted to rest several members of this year's Tri-Nations-winning squad, mainly from Canterbury.
NPC champions Auckland and runners-up Waikato were rewarded for their form in reaching last weekend's first division final, with eight and four players named in the squad respectively. There are also four players each from Wellington and Otago.
Just two Canterbury players -- fullback Ben Blair and loose forward Sam Broomhall -- were selected, even though 16 players from the province have worn the black jersey this year.
There are 16 changes from the 26-man squad Mitchell named in May for the four early-season tests against Italy, Ireland (two) and Fiji, followed by the Tri-Nations clashes against Australia and South Africa.
This year's captain Reuben Thorne was one of several players unavailable due to injury, resulting in a remarkable return to the top for Randell, 27.
He captained the All Blacks in 1998 when they lost a disastrous five consecutive tests and was still in charge when they were knocked out in the semifinals of the 1999 World Cup.
The Otago captain only played the tests against Italy and Fiji this year, with Canterbury's Scott Robertson holding down the No 8 berth for the major tests.
With rumours abounding that he was considering playing club rugby overseas, Randell has been handed a chance to prove himself as a leader on what will be a difficult tour.
He has priorities before leaving. Randell will be married on November 2 and will fly out for London two days after his team-mates.
- NZPA
