Graham Henry and Co. have named their 35 man squad for the tour to Britain, which includes the Test against Australia in Hong Kong this Saturday.

The squad includes seven new comers, while Jason Eaton, Corey Flynn, Joe Rokocoko and Ross Filipo have all made a return to the All Blacks after absences.

The only concern with the squad is that John Afoa is carrying an injury, and could be in some doubt - which has prompted Greg Sommerville to make himself available if required for the Test against the Wallabies. This would suggest to us that Henry is not prepared to throw Jaime Mackintosh or Ben Franks (the two new props) into the mix first-up, which seems strange seeing as they have been selected. Who knows whats going on in Henry's mind...

The other new comer's include Scott Waldrom (who will most likely act as McCaw's understudy), Liam Meesam, Keiran Read (all loose forwards), while in the backs Hosea Gear and Cory Jane are rewarded for strong Air New Zealand Cup campaigns.

Andy Ellis returns to the squad after missing much of the Tri Nations through injury, but he will have to fight hard to get game time, as both Cowan and Weepu have proven themselves to be the best halfbacks in the country. And, with Brendon Leonard returning next year (depending on form, of course), Ellis may find himself slipping well down the pecking order.

Those unlucky to miss out include Jeremy Thrush, Thomas Waldrom, John Schwalger, Rudi Wulf and Hika Elliot (who will play for the Highlanders next year - a great purchase for them).

Tours to Britain are never easy, especially when you throw in a Test against Australia to begin with, but this is a strong squad capable of producing some good rugby.

It will be interesting to see how much game time the new boys get, but there will be no better time than now to give them some experience.

Here's the full squad:

Andrew Hore, Kevin Mealamu, Corey Flynn, John Afoa, Tony Woodcock, Neemia Tialata, Jaime Mackintosh, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo, Richie McCaw (c), Rodney So'oialo, Jerome Kaino, Adam Thomson, Scott Waldrom, Keiran Read, Liam Meesam, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Isaia Toeava, Hosea Gear, Joe Rokocoko, Sitivini Sivivatu, Anthony Tuitavake, Mils Muliana, Cory Jane.

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).