Thrush gets Ali's All Black spot
Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush has been called into the second All Black wider training group camp in Mt Maunganui on Sunday.
He replaces 77-Test All Black Ali Williams, who Friday announced he was standing down from international rugby.
Thrush will join the 37 other players named in the training group earlier this month, including Highlanders Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock who have all returned from Super Rugby duty off-shore.
The All Blacks selectors – Head Coach Steven Hansen, Assistant Coach Ian Foster and selector Grant Fox – are due to announce their first squad for 2013 next Sunday, June 2, ahead of the three-match series against France.
The players arrive in the Mount Sunday, May 26, and will depart on Tuesday, May 28.
All Black training squad:
Blues: Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili and Piri Weepu.
Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.
Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Jeremy Thrush, and Victor Vito.
Crusaders: Dominic Bird, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Taylor and Samuel Whitelock.
Highlanders: Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock.
