No.8 Rodney So'oialo is the big omission from the All Blacks squad named for the June Tests against France and Italy.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry says the Wellington captain is nursing a neck injury and needs a rest from top level rugby, but he will return to the team for the Tri Nations.
Mils Muliaina has been named as captain in the place of the injured Richie McCaw and there are three new players - Canterbury's prop Wyatt Crockett and lock Isaac Ross, and Bay of Plenty openside flanker Tanerau Latimer.
