JOE ROKOCOKO WAS the biggest casualty when All Blacks coach Graham Henry named a 30-man squad for the upcoming Tri-Nations tournament on Sunday.

The winger lost out along with Hurricanes fly-half Aaron Cruden, though Henry did reward uncapped lock Jarrad Hoeata for a fine season with Highlanders by including him in the training group.

Prop Tony Woodcock (knee) and wingers Isaia Toeava (hip), Hosea Gear (hamstring) and Israel Dagg (thigh) are all included despite being injury concerns for the squad’s opening game against South Africa in Wellington on July 30th. Wyatt Crockett, Cory Jane, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Ben Smith will train with the squad as cover as a result.

The squad also sees a number of players return from injury – a massive boost ahead of the Autumn’s World Cup – including Ali Williams, who has spent two years on the sidelines with Achilles and shoulder injuries, as well as Piri Weepu, Richard Kahui and Corey Flynn. Lock Anthony Boric misses out because of a foot injury.

“Our first Test against Fiji in Dunedin will be an important first step in our season, plus there’s extra significance because we are playing for the people of Canterbury,” Henry said in a statement.

“The Investec Tri Nations also remains an important competition for the team this year. We are proud of the record we have achieved over the years and the fact that we have held the Bledisloe Cup since 2003 and it is crucial as we look to build towards the Rugby World Cup.”

All Blacks squad:
Forwards: J Afoa, C Flynn, B Franks, O Franks, J Hoeata, A Hore, J Kaino, R McCaw (captain), K Mealamu, L Messam, K Read, A Thomson, B Thorn, S Whitelock, A Williams, T Woodcock.
Backs: D Carter, J Cowan, I Dagg, A Ellis, H Gear, Z Guildford, R Kahui, M Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, C Slade, C Smith, I Toeava, P Weepu, S Bill Williams.
Injury cover: W Crockett, C Jane, S Sivivatu, B Smith.