Waikato's Damian McKenzie has been named to the All Black XV squad to travel to Europe for matches against Ireland A and the Barbarians next month.
Overlooked for the All Blacks' annual northern tour, 40-test international McKenzie is one of two first-fives selected in the 28-strong group, alongside North Harbour stand-out Bryn Gatland.
The team features eight players with test experience, including captain Patrick Tuipulotu, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta’avao, Asafo Aumua, Luke Jacobson, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber, and McKenzie.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald will oversee the side, with assistants Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen.
"We are expecting an intense challenge from both Ireland A and the Barbarians," said MacDonald. "These two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage.
"The selection panel have named a dynamic All Blacks XV squad, with eight capped All Blacks who know how to perform at this level and emerging talent.
"To play at international level is extremely valuable for the players and I am looking forward to guiding the team in what will be a first for the All Blacks XV."
The squad was handpicked by All Blacks coaches Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt, who'll use the tour as a valuable chance to test some prospects on a larger stage before next year's World Cup in France.
"The squad has a mixture of some experienced players and some younger talent coming through that we, as a group of All Blacks, are really keen to see how they progress in a Northern Hemisphere environment," said Foster.
"It's a great opportunity for them to play with a black jersey on, in a different environment and test themselves against different game plans and styles.
"Hopefully, that will help prepare us really well in another part of our building blocks for the Rugby World Cup next year."
The All Blacks XV will travel to Dublin to face Ireland A on November 5 (NZ time), before heading to London to face the Barbarians at Tottenham Stadium on November 14.
All Blacks XV squad:
Props: Finlay Brewis, Oli Jager, Aidan Ross, Angus Ta'avao, Tamaiti Williams
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, George Bell, Brodie McAlister
Locks: Josh Dickson , Zach Gallagher , Patrick Tuipulotu - Captain
Loose Forwards: Dominic Gardiner, Billy Harmon, Luke Jacobson , Christian Lio-Willie, Marino Mikaele-Tu'u
Halfbacks: TJ Perenara , Brad Weber , Cam Roigard
First five-eighths: Bryn Gatland, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Levi Aumua , Bryce Heem , Alex Nankivell, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside backs: AJ Lam , Ruben Love , Mark Telea
