All Blacks: Lock Romano ABs' lucky 34th man

Victor Vito rejoins the All Blacks from a neck injury and gets a loose forward spot ahead of Steven Luatua. Photo / Getty Images

Carter and Vito also named to tour, Luatua misses out, and Slade is left dangling.

The big winners out of yesterday's All Blacks touring squad announcement are Dan Carter, Victor Vito and Luke Romano.

Conversely, the unlucky ones are certainly Colin Slade and Steven Luatua. There are no bolters, unless you include the lifeline given to lock Romano, who last played for the All Blacks off the bench against England in November last year.

Coach Steve Hansen explained some of his rationale: "We were originally going to take 33 players, but Luke has been a bit slower coming back from injury than we'd like, so we don't really have a gauge as to where he is from a playing point of view.

"Kindly the NZRU have allowed us to take a 34th player. As you know, Luke hasn't played a lot of rugby over the last 18 months due to injury.

"We felt it was really important to get him back into the All Blacks way. We want to get him back up to speed with how we play and the skill sets we are using. He'll probably play at least one game on the tour anyway."

ITM Cup form has again been ignored, though this is not a new trend. Ironically, Vito played well enough for his province to be selected last year, but the Wellington No 8 has been reselected on far less game time and form.

"Victor was in the squad for the Steinlager Series and then hurt his neck. We brought Steven Luatua in as a replacement. Vic is now fit again and we felt he deserved the right to come back into the group. It also gives Steven the opportunity to have a really good pre-season, something he didn't use that well last season," said Hansen.

He specifically mentioned Canterbury's Matt Todd as a player who continues to be unlucky thanks to the competition at openside, and the fact they have selected only six loose forwards, and yet five locks and five props.

The drums were beating for the in-form Taranaki pair of James Broadhurst and Blade Thomson, who could not have done much more, though other locks like Dominic Bird may have had similar claim, while Vito has won his place ahead of Thomson.

The fitness of Carter was, and will continue to be, a hot topic. The 100-test All Blacks great has not played for the team this year, and has played just 40 minutes of ITM Cup since August 2.

"We've spoken to Colin Slade about the DC situation. We will monitor DC this week, and if he cannot make the trip because of his leg, then Sladey will come back in," said Hansen.

"DC's been training without being able to play. From what we understand, he's had a bit of nerve damage to the leg that he broke. That's getting better and better all the time. He knows his body better than anyone else, so if he is confident, I am confident.

"[Slade] has played extremely well for us all season when given the opportunity. He's got real versatility. There aren't too many who can say they have played for the All Blacks at halfback, first five, wing and fullback, and he slotted the [winning] goal on the weekend. There's not much between all four of our five-eighths. It's just unfortunate for him."

It certainly is, whereas Sonny Bill Williams has the good fortune of being given a free pass into the team, despite just 70 minutes of action for the Steelers.

Hansen confirmed that Williams will play on tour, and not just be there to learn the structures.

Ma'a Nonu's broken arm ruled him out last month, meaning Ryan Crotty deservedly wins that vacant midfield berth.

"We want Sonny to get into rugby and what we want him to do. No 12 is his No 1 position, but he has played centre and on the wing for the All Blacks."

The squad will assemble in Auckland on Sunday before flying to Chicago. Carter will be given until "the last minute" if needed to prove his fitness.

• The Maori All Blacks will be named today for the three-match tour of Japan and Singapore.

All Black touring squad

Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.
Midfielders: Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams.
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden.
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Smith.
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Victor Vito.
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock.
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody.
Hookers: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Keven Mealamu.

5 August Pulu facts

Choice choices
He was eligible for three nations - New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa.
Far from mad
His nickname is Mad Dog, always a good moniker for a feisty, combative halfback.
A flyer
Only four players have scored more ITM Cup tries than his seven in 2014 for Counties Manukau. Those four are all wings.
Wesley legacy
Ninth All Black from famed Wesley College.
Cracker club
He plays his club rugby for Karaka, often in partnership with Steelers and former Blues No10 Baden Kerr.