Eight newcomers named in All Blacks for European tour

WELLINGTON (AFP) - Eight newcomers have been named in an All Blacks squad of 32 for their rugby tour of the northern hemisphere next month.
The new players are No 8 Steven Bates, halfback Jimmy Cowan, fly half Luke McAlister, centre Casey Laulala, centre Conrad Smith, prop Saimone Taumoepeau, halfback Piri Weepu and loose forward Jerome Kaino.
The selection also marks the return of former All Black hooker and captain Anton Oliver.
Corey Flynn, Norm Maxwell, Ma'a Nonu, and Rodney So'oialo also return to the side.
Eleven players from Tests played earlier this season -- Carlos Spencer, Sam Tuitupou, Keith Robinson, Kees Meeuws, Simon Maling, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Nick Evans, Andrew Hore, Craig Newby and Xavier Rush -- have been rested, dropped or are injured.
The team will play tests against Italy, Wales and France and a match against a Barbarians team.
Coach Graham Henry said the selectors were enthusiastic about the potential in the touring squad.
"This tour is significant as it offers us a tremendous platform going into 2005 and what will be one of the biggest years ever in All Black rugby history, with three extremely challenging series starting with the British and Irish Lions," Henry said.
New Zealand face a test series agains the British Lions next year before the Tri-Nations, followed by a northern hemisphere tour which will see them attempt a Grand Slam against Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
"We need to establish a solid base in terms of performance and selection options, and the matches against Italy, Wales, France and the Barbarians, offer us every opportunity to do that."
The decision to leave behind experienced players such as Mehrtens was not taken lightly but was logical in view of the future, Henry said.
Squad
Forwards: Steven Bates (Waikato), Jerry Collins (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Jono Gibbes (Waikato), Carl Hayman (Otago), Marty Holah (Waikato), Chris Jack (Canterbury), Norm Maxwell (Canterbury), Richard McCaw (vice-captain, Canterbury), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Saimone Taumoepeau (Auckland), Mose Tuiali'i (Auckland), Ali Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).
Backs: Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Rico Gear (North Harbour), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Casey Laulala (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Malili Muliaina (Auckland), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (captain, Wellington), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

10/26/2004 - 05:18 GMT - AFP