5 Aug 2012

SBW needs to finalise some paperwork to play for All Blacks

12:28 pm on 5 August 2012

The All Blacks squad for the inaugural Rugby Championship has been named with the Blues prop Charlie Faumuina the only new cap in the 28-strong squad.

The most notable absentee from the 28-strong squad is Zac Guildford who's lost his place to Wellington winger Hosea Gear.

The injured Conrad Smith has been named but will be replaced by Sonny Bill Williams for the first two tests against Australia.

However coach Steve Hansen says Williams inclusion is on ice for the time being with the paperwork from Japanese club Panasonic, where the midfielder will begin playing at the end of the month, still to be finalised.

Hansen is confident Panasonic will give Williams the green light to play.

Injuries to Anthony Boric, Ali Williams and Richard Kahui meant they weren't considered.