A 25-man training squad was announced on Monday, as Graham Henry looks to finalise his All Blacks lineup for the upcoming Test series against Ireland and England.

It's important to note that this is not the official lineup, but rather a training camp. This gives those selected a chance to show Henry they have what it takes to represent New Zealand at the highest level - no pressure, lads!

The Canterbury boys, of course, are still on Super 14 duty with the final this Saturday.

Always one to throw us the odd (ha...) curve ball, Henry has selected a few players that are - well - surprising. Among these are locks Kevin O'Neill (Waikato), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), and Tom Donnelly (Otago), who will all be looking to secure the third locking spot. Ali Williams and Brad Thorn, however, will still be the ones to beat. Jason Eaton has been left out of the training squad, which seems quite strange to us. He has some experience at Test level, and can cover on the flanks if needed.

Are you listening, Mr Henry?

Other first timers include Paul Williams (Canterbury), Adam Thomson (Otago), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), and Rudi Wolf (North Harbour). All have shown potential throughout the Super 14, and with so many of last years All Blacks now overseas they've got a good shot at playing Test footy this year.

The biggest surprises, though, are those who missed out, with Piri Weepu (Wellington - or should we say, the Warriors? We'd like that, Piri...), Jason Eaton (Taranaki - come on, Graham - are you serious?), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), and Chris Masoe (Wellington - but for how long?) all unwanted by the All Black selectors at this stage.

We say 'at this stage', beacuse you just never know with Henry...

Jaime McIntosh (Southland), Lelia Masaga (Counties Manukau), and Liam Messam (Waikato) are also unlucky to miss out on the training squad, although this doesn't necessarily mean they aren't in contention. We'll say it again - what will you do, Graham?

Without the Crusaders in the mix, it's difficult to say who will make the [actual] All Blacks squad this year. There'll be some selected for the training squad who will miss out when the final team is named this Sunday, but they do have a chance to impress Henry and Co. It will certainly be interesting to see what they can bring to the table...

We would expect Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Dan Carter (Canterbury), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Stephen Brett (Canterbury - getting sick of hearing that word, yet?), Ali Williams (Tasman), Brad Thorn (Tasman), and Greg Sommerville (Canterbury - another one for ya...) to all be included in the final All Blacks squad, while Keiran Reid (Canterbury - OK, so it's getting old now...), Scott Hamilton (Canterbury - give it a break, please), and Casey Laulala (Canterbury - last one, we promise) will be looking to perform well this weekend to impress the All Black selectors before the squad is named.

Here's the full Training Squad:

Props: John Afoa (Auckland), John Schwalger (Wellington), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).
Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Kevin Mealamu (Auckland).
Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Kevin O'Neill (Waikato).
Loose Forwards: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Sione Lauaki (Waikato), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago).
Half backs: Jimmy Cown (Southland), Brendon Leonard (Waikato).
First-fives: Stephen Donald (Waikato).
Second-fives: Ma'a Nonu (Wellington).
Centers: Richard Kahui (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Conrad Smith (Wellington).
Wingers: Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour), Rudi Wolf (North Harbour).
Fullback: Paul Williams (Canterbury).

Whatever happens, we can't wait for the Test season to start.

Watch out, England.