Chiefs halfback Brad Weber will headline a strong All Blacks XV squad, after missing out on coach Ian Foster's Rugby Championship squad.
Weber, 32, was a surprise omission from the 36-man squad, with Aaron Smith, Finlay Christie and uncapped Cam Roigaard preferred.
The veteran has been instrumental in the Chiefs run to the Super Rugby Pacific final, but now faces an uphill battle to make the World Cup in France.
Weber is one of nine players with test experience in the All Blacks XV squad that will contest the Challenge Cup against Japan and Japan XV, including Aidan Ross, Asafo Aumua, Akira Ioane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Folau Fakatava, Stephen Perofeta, Brett Cameron, and Jack Goodhue.
Fourteen-test All Black Hoskins Sotutu and Moana Pasifika star Levi Aumua are glaring omissions from the squad, with Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan also unlucky.
Sotutu has been a regular name in Foster's All Blacks squads since his 2020 debut, but hasn't even been afforded an opportunity in the feeder team, while Aumua was expected to at least be named for the All Blacks XV for the second year running, after a stunning Super Rugby season.
His form has seen him snapped up by finalists the Crusaders from 2024, with many calling for him to earn a senior call-up to the All Blacks.
But instead, he has been overlooked in place of midfielders Goodhue, Alex Nankivell, Billy Proctor, and Bailyn Sullivan.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald has again been tasked with leading the All Blacks XV, and will be assisted by Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen.
The All Blacks XV will kickoff their Challenge Cup campaign at Tokyo against Japan XV on July 8, before playing the Brave Blossoms on July 15
All Blacks XV squad:
Props: Jermaine Ainsley, Oli Jager, Tevita Mafileo, Xavier Numia, Aidan Ross
Hookers: Asafa Aumua, Ricky Riccitelli, Tyrone Thompson
Locks: Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Quinten Strange, Isaia Walker-Leawere
Loose forwards: Billy Harmon, Akira Ioane, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Christian Lio-Willie, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cameron Suafoa
Halfbacks: Folau Fakatava, Brad Weber
First-fives: Brett Cameron, Stephen Perofeta
Midfielders: Jack Goodhue, Alex Nankivell, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan
Outside backs: Sam Gilbert, AJ Lam, Ruben Love, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jona Nareki.
