All Blacks End of Year Tour Squads Announced!

The All Blacks squad for the last 5 tests of the year is set to be announced today.

Given the schedule, this may very well be quite an expanded squad - the coaches and selectors have already hinted that a different team will go to Japan and some of those members will meet up with the rest of the team for the European leg of the end of year tour.

Is Andrew Hore set to play his last test for the ABs against Australia next Saturday?

And then there's the final Bledisloe Cup game in Dunedin which may very well feature Andrew Hore for the last time in a black jersey. The game in Dunedin may very well be the last for Piri Weepu who missed the first part of the Rugby Championship - the coaches are more inclined towards the youthful TJ Perenara who missed the last part of the Rugby Championship due to injury.

Conrad Smith is also not available too as he will start his 6 month sabbatical, meaning Ben Smith will be selected as a centre - opening the way for in-form Counties and Blues winger Frank Halai to come into the side. Brad Shields also comes into the side with Steven Luatua to cover lock and blindside.

And who will replace Andrew Hore? Otago and Highlanders hooker, Liam Coltman who has been involved in wider squad training could be next in line ahead of the in-form Hika Elliott who the coaches don't seem to rate.

Here's my tip for the squad of 35 for the end of year tour -

Tony Woodcock
Owen Franks
Wyatt Crockett
Charlie Faumuina
Ben Franks
Ben Afeaki (for Japan only)
Andrew Hore (for Australia only)
Dane Coles
Keven Mealamu
Liam Coltman (from Japan onwards)
Sam Whitelock
Brodie Retallick
Jeremy Thrush
Steven Luatua
Liam Messam
Brad Shields
Richie McCaw
Sam Cane
Kieran Read
Victor Vito (Japan only)
Aaron Smith
Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Piri Weepu (Japan only)
TJ Perenara
Dan Carter
Aaron Cruden
Beauden Barrett
Tom Taylor
Ma'a Nonu
Ben Smith
Frank Halai (from Japan)
Julian Savea
Cory Jane
Israel Dagg
Charles Piutau
Francis Sai'ili