All Black squad expands for tour

The All Black team officials will take an extra hooker and halfback on their rugby tour of the northern hemisphere in November.

The additional players will expand the touring squad to 32 from the initially planned 30.

The All Blacks will play four tests, two against France and one each against England and Wales.

"We have a short turnaround between major tests against England and France," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement as a reason for the additional players.

"It is prudent to have additional cover at the specialist positions, particularly given the time it would take to call in replacements from New Zealand."

The All Blacks play England at Twickenham on November 5 and then against France in Lyon on November 11.

The additional players will also enable Henry to build depth at hooker and halfback for next year's World Cup.

- NZPA