Shields cracks All Black nod
Uncapped Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields has been included in a 30-man All Black training squad who will gather in Auckland this week ahead of the Rugby Championship.
Blues utility back Francis Saili is the second uncapped player included in the squad by All Black coach Steve Hansen, who has as expected welcomed back captain Richie McCaw.
The training camp will be held on the North Shore on Wednesday and Thursday. Chiefs players in contention for the All Blacks will not attend the camp as they are preparing for the Super Rugby Final against the Brumbies on Saturday.
The squad for the Rugby Championship will be named next Sunday and the All Blacks will assemble in Wellington on Friday, August 9 to prepare for the opening Test of the Championship against Australia in Sydney on Saturday, August 17.
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 and Ben Smith.
