With the All Blacks first Test just around the corner, all eyes have been on Graham Henry and the naming of his first squad for the year.

Yesterday, he named the squad to take on the Irish and the English - and, as we've become accustomed to with Mr Henry, there are a few bolter's.

Six new comers have been named in the squad - Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Adam Thomson (Otago), Stephen Donald (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Rudi Wolf (North Harbour), and Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour).

Henry's selections are solid, but we can't help feeling disappointed for the likes of Jason Eaton, Chris Masoe, and Piri Weepu, who all seem to be on the outer with Henry - which is a real shame, because they've all played well in the Super 14. Weepu, especially, must be wondering what he has to do to get back his All Blacks jersey (we've mentioned this before, but we'd start thinking about league Piri - you'd fit in well...).

Adam Thomson and Anthony Boric are the two biggest bolters in the squad. Boric's abilities in the lineout, and his work rate around the field have seen him get the nod ahead of Tom Donnelly (Otago) and Kevin O'Niell (Waikato). He can also cover on the blind side, which makes him a handy addition with Jerry Collins leaving.

Thomson has had a meteoric rise over the last six months. Unwanted by the Highlanders last year, he's fought his way back - and has truly earned his selection. He'll have to fight hard for a start with Jerome Kaino (Auckland), but a bit of healthy competition never hurt.

Rudi Wolf will be looking to make the most of Joe Rokocoko's absence (due to injury), and hopefully stake a claim on the wing for the upcoming Tri-Nations.

Richard Kahui, Stephen Donald, and Anthony Tuitavake have all made their way into the squad after a few consistent seasons in the Super 14 competition. With many of last years squad now overseas, they get the chance to step up to the big time...

...good luck lads.

Those unlucky to miss out are Keiran Reid, Casey Laulala, and Scott Hamilton (all from Canterbury) - it just goes to show that the depth in New Zealand rugby is still there, despite the current player drain.

There are niggling injuries for both Tony Woodcock (North Harbour) and Brendon Leonard (Waikato), and so John Schwalger (Wellington) and Jimmy Cowan (Southland) will join the team in Wellington in case their services are required.

There seems to be a good mix of experience and up-and-comers in the squad, and it's important that they don't start looking towards the Tri-Nations just yet. Ireland and England will provide some good battles, and will give us a glimpse of how the squad is shaping up for Australia and South Africa later in the year.

Here's the full 26-man All Blacks squad:

Props: John Afoa (Auckland), Greg Sommerville (Canterbury), Neemia Tialata (Wellington), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Hookers: Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Kevin Mealamu (Auckland).

Locks: Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Brad Thorn (Tasman), Ali Williams (Tasman).

Loose Forwards: Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Sione Luaki (Waikato), Richie McCaw (Captain, Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Adam Thomson (Otago).

Half-backs: Andy Ellis (Canterbury), Brendon Leonard (Waikato).

First-fives: Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Stephen Donald (Waikato).

Mid-field backs: Conrad Smith (Wellington), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Richard Kahui (Waikato).

Wingers: Sitivini Sivivatu (Waikato), Rudi Wolf (North Harbour), Anthony Tuitavake (North Harbour).

Fullback: Leon MacDonald (Canterbury).