All Blacks drop Perenara, have revenge in mind against Ireland

Captain Sam Cane says the All Blacks will have a point to prove after on Monday naming six uncapped players in their squad for next month's three-Test series against Ireland.

The 36-player squad was notable for the inclusion of former rugby league international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and the omission of seasoned scrumhalf TJ Perenara.

New Zealand coach Ian Foster remained largely loyal to the squad which ended 2021 with emphatic losses to Ireland and France on their northern hemisphere tour.

"This will be the biggest home series since the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour for the All Blacks," Foster said.

"There are massive expectations all round and it will be immensely competitive."

The 2023 Rugby World Cup in France is just 15 months away and Foster is keen to try his new selections against Ireland, who have won three of their last five Tests against the All Blacks, but have never won in New Zealand.

"We're incredibly excited, I think you can feel there's a bit of newness in the squad, with six new boys who I think have really played their way in," said Foster, who is looking to assemble a squad capable of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth time.

"But there's also pragmatism, with a couple of selections that are about making sure we have the equipment we need to play well against Ireland."

Cane expected memories of last November's stinging 29-20 defeat in Dublin to give an added edge to training once preparations begin for the first Test in Auckland on 2 July.

"Everyone who was involved in that game last year, once we reassemble, that will resurface and there will be real hunger and drive," said Cane. "It's going to be a massive series."

Strength in depth

Foster highlighted the game-breaking ability of players such as