Rugby: Faumuina in All Blacks training squad

The Blues' tighthead prop tore his calf muscle in the fourth round of Super Rugby. Photo / Richard Robinson

Charlie Faumuina's return from injury continues this week with his inclusion in the All Black training squad.

The Blues' tighthead prop tore his calf muscle in the fourth round of Super rugby and was invalided out of the tournament.

He has been training fully for the past couple of months and has been picked among the 30 players who will attend a two-day training camp starting in Auckland on Wednesday.

Regular All Black captain Richie McCaw also returns after his time out from the game alongside fellow Crusader Matt Todd, who missed a previous camp at Mt Maunganui.

Several players called up to the last camp are missing this time. Frank Halai and Tom Taylor have not been picked, Ali Williams has retired, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen and Dominic Bird are injured and Hosea Gear is heading abroad. Blues centre Rene Ranger is also heading overseas but not until after the end of the ITM Cup and has been included.

Six Chiefs players were called to the first camp but will miss this session as they prepare to defend their Super 15 crown in Hamilton. They are: Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

The All Black squad for the Rugby Championship, likely to be 28 players and three extras, will be announced on Sunday.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies in Sydney on August 17.

AB training squad

Forwards
Hookers: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu.
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock.
Locks: Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush and Samuel Whitelock.
Loose Forwards: Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Shields, Matt Todd and Victor Vito.

Backs
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith and Piri Weepu.
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett and Daniel Carter.
Midfielders: Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili and Conrad Smith.
Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea and Ben Smith.