Sports

All Black coach Steve Hansen has named his All Blacks squad to face France in the upcoming three-match test series.

Crusaders No 8 Kieran Read has been named as captain with Dan Carter named as vice captain.

Six new All Blacks have been named for the start of the 2013 season. they include Blues trio of Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau and Francis Saili alongside Hurricane lock Jeremy Thrush, Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki and Crusaders backrower Matt Todd.

Crusaders loose forward Todd will come into the squad as an injury replacement for lock Samuel Whitelock who is recovering from a broken finger and is expected to be available for the Third Test.

The team will play three matches against France in a rematch of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

The David Gallaher Cup, which the All Blacks and France have been contesting since 2000, will again be on the line. The All Blacks are the current holders.

All Blacks squad:

Hookers: Dane Coles, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu
Props: Ben Afeaki, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Samuel Whitelock
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Steven Luatua, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, (c)Victor Vito
Halfbacks: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Aaron Smith, Piri Weepu
First five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Aaron Cruden
Midfielders: Ma’a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Conrad Smith
Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith