The All Blacks coach Graham Henry says the majority of dropped All Blacks forced their way back into side, after naming several former Test players in the squad for the end of year tour.
Former league star Sonny Bill Williams is the only debutant to be named in the tour party, with a host of former All Blacks recalled including hooker Andrew Hore, wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear, utility back Isaia Toeava and flanker Daniel Braid.
The Waikato first five Stephen Donald was somewhat of a surprise selection ahead of Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade but Henry says the playmaker earned his place.
The All Blacks first game of the Northern tour is against the Wallabies in Hong Kong on October the 30th.
