Hurricanes hooker Dane Coles has been included in the All Blacks’ 29-man training squad for the Rugby Championship.
Coles has not played a game this year after rupturing knee ligaments against France last year. He also missed a good portion of the 2017 season with concussion symptoms.
The 31-year-old is likely to be brought back via provincial rugby in the New Zealand Cup, but should play a part in the latter stages of the Championship.
Also included in the squad are lock Jackson Hemopo and prop Karl Tu’inukuafe, who were late call-ups for the June series against France.
None of the players from the Crusaders, who are busy preparing for their Super Rugby final against the Lions, were considered for selection.
The All Blacks will kick off their campaign against the Wallabies on 18 August and will face the Springboks in Wellington on 15 September.
All Blacks squad:
Forwards – Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Nathan Harris, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Shannon Frizell, Jackson Hemopo, Akira Ioane, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Luke Whitelock.
Backs – TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Ben Smith.
Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images
