Coach Ian Foster has called up five newcomers for his first All Blacks squad of 2023, among 36 players named for the Rugby Championship.
With just five tests scheduled before this year's Rugby World Cup, the national selectors have named an exciting squad that blends youth and experience.
"This is very special day for them and their families,who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements," Foster said. "We have a new group of exciting players, who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey."
In a selection that will surprise few, Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard has been called up for the first time, perhaps a pointer to the future of the No.9 jersey.
Roigard, 22, has been selected on the back of an outstanding season for the Hurricanes, on their run to the Super Rugby Pacific quarter-finals. He played 14 of their 16 matches, starting 13, scoring nine tries.
The rookie joins Aaron Smith and Finlay Christie as halfback options, while Chiefs co-captain Brad Weber and Highlanders back-up Folau Fakatava have been overlooked.
Fijian-born winger Emoni Narawa, 23, has also been called up for the first time, after 12 appearances for the Chiefs so far this season, taking complete control of the No.14 jersey and scoring seven tries.
While Narawa's form has been rewarded, Chiefs teammate Shaun Stevenson has missed out on the main squad, instead picked as injury cover. The fullback has been instrumental in his side's run to the Super Rugby Pacific final against the Crusaders, scoring 11 tries.
Only wingers Leicester Fainga'anuku and Mark Telea - also included in the squad - have scored more than Stevenson.
Arguably the biggest bolter selection is Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau, who has been prominent in his side's run to the Super Rugby final.
Tongan-born Finau, 24, has represented New Zealand at U19 level and has the chance to add test rugby to his CV. He is joined in the loose forwards by Chiefs teammates Sam Cane - named captain - and Luke Jacobson, as well as Ardie Savea, Dalton Papali'i and Shannon Frizell.
"Sam has proven himself as a great leader of our team, despite having had a disrupted couple of seasons leading into this one,” said Foster. "We have total belief that he is the right man to lead us."
Blues pair Akira Ioane and Hoskins Sotutu have missed out, with no shortage of quality in the loose forwards, while Ethan Blackadder is unavailable through injury.
With the Crusaders ravaged by injuries, prop Tamaiti Williams' Super Rugby form has been rewarded with a call-up in the front row.
Williams, 22, has played 15 of 17 possible matches for the Crusaders, at a time when All Blacks teammates George Bower, Fletcher Newell and Joe Moody were ruled out for the season.
Despite his injury at the start of the Super Rugby season, though, Newell has been called up among the front rowers.
Similarly, backline utility Dallas McLeod - who has covered wing and midfield for the Crusaders - - has been awarded a call-up, as another player who has become indispensable to coach Scott Robertson.
His inclusion, leaves no room for the likes of Jack Goodhue or NZ Warriors-bound Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The All Blacks face Argentina at Mendoza, South Africa at Auckland and Australia at Melbourne in a truncated Rugby Championship schedule.
Foster's men complete their World Cup preparation with a Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies at Dunedin, before a one-off test against the Springboks at Twickenham, London, in August.
The Rugby Championship squad will be cut from 36 players down to 33 for the Rugby World Cup, beginning September 8.
All Blacks squad:
Hookers: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Codie Taylor
Props: Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams
Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Whitelock
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea
Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith
First-fives: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Braydon Ennor, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Dallas McLeod
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea
