The All Blacks named four debutants and brought back three players from last year for their squad for their six-match tour which will feature matches in Japan and Europe.

The new caps in the squad are fly half Mike Delany, winger Zac Guildford, full-back-wing Ben Smith and utility back Tamati Ellison.

Ellison provided backup during the TriNations series but was officially selected for the first time.

Returning to the squad for the first time this year are hooker Corey Flynn, half-back Andy Ellis, and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric.

Veteran winger Joe Rokocoko was among those who missed out after showing patchy form this year, along with scrum half Piri Weepu, whom coach Graham Henry said had not sufficiently recovered from an ankle injury.

Wingers Hosea Gear and Rudi Wulf, fly half Colin Slade, lock Isaac Ross and hooker Aled de Malmanche were also missing after being part of the squad earlier this year.

Injuries ruled out utility back Isaia Toeava, winger Lelia Masaga, hooker Keven Mealamu, locks Bryn Evans and Ali Williams, and centre Richard Kahui.

The All Blacks open their tour with a Test against the Wallabies in Tokyo on October 31, followed by Tests against Wales, Italy, England, France and the Barbarians.

“I would like to congratulate all those players picked, especially the new caps,” All Blacks coach Graham Henry said.

“The selectors were impressed by the high standard of play in the Air New Zealand Cup and that is reflected in the selection of players who have been stand-outs in the competition.”

Henry said the All Blacks had two objectives for the tour.

“Firstly, we want to play quality rugby that we are proud of.”

“Secondly, the tour is the opportunity for players to put their hand up when it comes to selection for the All Blacks in the future.”

The 33-man All Blacks rugby squad named is :

John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Delany, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Andy Ellis, Tamati Ellison, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Zac Guildford, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Kieran Read, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Rodney So’oialo, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock.

All Blacks Tour Dates

Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London