McCaw returns for the All Blacks

Editor

As expected Richie McCaw has been included in Steve Hansen's All Black training squad despite only recently returning to action.

As expected Richie McCaw has been included in Steve Hansen's All Black training squad despite only recently returning to action.

McCaw came off the bench in the Crusaders' final two matches of the Super Rugby season after taking a seven-month sabbatical. Despite his lack of match practice, McCaw looks set to lead the All Blacks in the upcoming Rugby Championship.

The Hurricanes duo of flanker Brad Shields and scrum-half TJ Perenara join Francis Saili of the Blues as the uncapped players in the squad. A fit-again Charlie Faumuina also features.

Despite having signed a contract to play with Montpellier in the Top 14, Rene Ranger is included.

The training camp will take place this week and as a result no players from the Chiefs were considered as they will be preparing for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Brumbies.

Hansen will name his squad for the Rugby Championship next Sunday.

All Black training squad: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Samuel Whitelock, Steven Luatua, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Brad Shields, Matt Todd, Victor Vito, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.