All Blacks call up Carter and SBW

Editor

Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter have been recalled by Steve Hansen for New Zealand’s European tour this November.

Sonny Bill Williams and Dan Carter have been recalled by Steve Hansen for New Zealand’s European tour this November.

Williams returns to the squad having just switched back from rugby league, featuring twice for Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup.

Carter, meanwhile, has played just 40 minutes of rugby since fracturing his leg in the Super Rugby final, but Hansen had no qualms about recalling the pair.

The decision to include Carter in the 34-man squad means there is no place for Colin Slade, who misses out despite slotting the injury-time conversion in Brisbane that handed New Zealand victory.

“He’s (Carter) been training without being able to play because he’s had a bit of nerve damage to the leg he broke,” Hansen told Fairfax Media.

“He’s getting better and better all the time and he’s extremely confident of being able to play.

“He knows his body better than anybody and if he’s confident, I’m confident.

“We’ve spoken to Sladey about the DC situation. We’ll monitor DC this week and get an idea of where he’s likely to be.

“If DC can’t make this trip because of his leg then Colin Slade will come back in.”

There are few surprises elsewhere, although Luke Romano is included despite breaking his leg during Super Rugby and having not played for five months.

Hansen wanted to get the second row back in the All Black environment however, so chose to take an extra player for the tour which begins with a Test in Chicago against the USA on November 1.

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Victor Vito.

Backs: TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.