TNT Sports
Howlett dropped
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Published 10/07/2005 at 08:16 GMT+1
Auckland winger Doug Howlett and utility back Ma'a Nonu were surprise omissions from the All Blacks squad named on Sunday for the Tri-nations against South Africa and Australia. Joe Rokocoko was recalled to the squad after missing out on the Lions series.
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Howlett, who has scored 36 tries in 47 tests, and Nonu were both in the 28-man squad that whitewashed the Lions 3-0 after Saturday's 38-19 victory at Eden Park.
"It's the philosophy of the selectors to try to develop 30 players who can play international rugby," coach Graham Henry said on Sunday.
"With Rico gear, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Doug Howlett we have got four quality wings and one of them is going to miss a squad like this.
"Joe missed the last squad to play the Lions (while) Doug hasn't made this squad and is the unlucky player this time.
"It's the hardest thing for us as selectors to do, but the All Blacks haven't won the World Cup for 20 years and one of the reasons for that is because we have finished up with players playing out of position at the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
"We are trying to make sure that doesn't happen again and we are trying to make sure that we develop depth in every position."
The All Blacks stuck with the bulk of the players that featured in the Lions series, though Waikato lock Jono Gibbes and Otago hooker Anton Oliver were not considered due to long-standing injuries.
Gibbes has a foot injury, and while he played for New Zealand Maori and for the All Blacks in the Lions series, needs time to recover, while Oliver is still recovering from a torn calf muscle.
AFOA NAMED
Uncapped prop John Afoa was called up to add depth to the front row after Carl Hayman missed the last two Lions tests through injury. Afoa replaces Canterbury prop Campbell Johnstone.
Johnstone, Nonu and loose forward Mose Tuiali'i will instead play for their respective provinces in the national championship.
"Ma'a, Campbell and Mose are all young guys who need to play and we have given them that message," Henry said.
"When we pick the squad for the end of year (Grand Slam tour) they will come back into consideration."
Openside flanker Marty Holah, who was not in the original 26-man squad for the Lions series but drafted in late this week as cover for Richie McCaw, replaces Tuiali'i.
Piri Weepu was chosen as the new reserve scrumhalf following Justin Marshall's decision to play in England.
The Tri-nations kicks off on July 30 when South Africa take on Australia in Pretoria with New Zealand starting their campaign against the Springboks a week later in Cape Town.
New Zealand squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Rico Gear, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Tana Umaga (captain), Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister, Daniel Carter, Byron Kelleher, Piri Weepu
Forwards: Sione Lauaki, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, James Ryan, Carl Hayman, John Afoa, Greg Somerville, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Derren Witcombe.
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