Prop Karl Tu’inukuafe is the biggest name culled by All Blacks coach Steve Hansen as he unveiled his squad for the Bledisloe Cup Tests in August.
Hansen has trimmed his initial Rugby Championship squad of 39 to 34 for Tests against the Wallabies in Perth and Auckland, in the process effectively ending the World Cup selection hopes of a handful of players.
Forwards have primarily been hit hardest, with uncapped five-eighth Josh Ioane thje only player losing his place among the backs.
Blues prop Tu’inukuafe is a surprise omission, having burst onto the scene with 13 Tests in his rookie international season last year, earning a starting loosehead berth in big season-ending Tests against England and Ireland.
The powerhouse scrummager struggled for the same form at Super Rugby level with the Blues this season and was hampered by injury.
He didn’t play in either of New Zealand’s Rugby Championship Tests this month – the tense 20-16 win over Argentina in Buenos Aires and last Saturday’s 16-16 draw with South Africa in Wellington.
The other forwards to make way were flankers Shannon Frizell and Dalton Papali’i, hooker Asafo Aumua and lock Brodie Retallick.
The world class Retallick was ruled out by a shoulder dislocation which the All Blacks are confident can heal in time for the World Cup.
His place is filled by Scott Barrett, the only squad addition after overcoming a finger injury.
Sonny Bill Williams has been included but will miss the Perth Test, with Hansen eager for the injury-plagued veteran inside centre to get game time under his belt at provincial level.
ALL BLACKS: Backs: Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Ngani Laumape, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber. Forwards: Kieran Read (capt), Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Luke Jacobson, Vaea Fifita, Jackson Hemopo, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman.
