New Zealand call up uncapped Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Dane Coles for European tour
Last Updated: November 1, 2012 8:54am
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has named two uncapped players in his squad for their autumn internationals.
Scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow and hooker Dane Coles have made it into Hansen's final 32 for the four match tour which starts on Sunday against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The All Blacks go on to face Italy, Wales and England, with the finale coming at Twickenham on 1 December.
Lock Ali Williams has been recalled after recovering from knee surgery, but Anthony Boric (neck), Colin Slade (leg) and Richard Kahui (shoulder) are all ruled out by injury.
"I would like to congratulate Tawera and Dane on their selection," Hansen said.
"They are young and exciting players and have shown this year that they look more than capable of stepping up to Test match rugby.
"Tours to the northern hemisphere always bring unique challenges, and this tour will be no different. For many of the newer players in the All Blacks it will be the first time they have experienced Test matches in the United Kingdom and Europe, and they are always big occasions.
"Overall, the team has been very happy with what we have achieved so far this year, but nothing has changed. We are always looking to put in performances we are proud of, and we are always looking to improve."
Backs: Dagg, Gear, Jane, B Smith, Savea, Ellison, Nonu, C Smith, Barrett, Carter, Cruden, Kerr-Barlow, A Smith, Weepu.
Forwards: Crockett, Faumuina, B Franks, O Franks, Woodcock, Coles, Hore, Mealamu, Retallick, Romano, Whitelock, Williams, Cane, McCaw (capt), Messam, Read, Thomson, Vito.
Dane Coles
