Another gaining a recall is wing/fullback Will Jordan, who missed all of Super Rugby Pacific with a shoulder injury. He is also joined by uncapped Ruben Love, meaning a real logjam has emerged in the outside backs.
Cane also has been injured for much of the year, having suffered a back complaint in January with Suntory Sungoliath in Japan Rugby League One. It was unclear exactly how serious it was, but the 95-test veteran has barely played all season.
Halfback Finlay Christie has been bumped out of the squad by Noah Hotham, while fellow Crusader George Bell is retained at hooker.
David Havili also comes back. His utility value covers all positions from 10 outwards.
Even though Scott Barrett has been named in the squad, Ardie Savea will take over as captain for the first test at least, as it was revealed yesterday that Barrett suffered a finger injury against Fiji that required surgery.
It also means Sam Darry will retain his spot as lock cover, alongside Patrick Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa’i.
‘‘It was a tough squad to select because everyone has owned their opportunities. Continuity is important, but it’s also important to reward performance,’’ Robertson said.
‘‘Sam Cane, Will and David bring a lot of experience and leadership to the group and Ruben, Noah and Sam Darry have taken their chance in the environment.
‘‘It will be a special moment for Ruben being selected for the first time.’’
The All Blacks open their campaign against Argentina in Wellington on August 10. The two sides meet again a week later, before the All Blacks head to South Africa for two tests against the Springboks and then a Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies.
All Blacks
Rugby Championship squad
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell. Props: Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Fletcher Newell, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Tamaiti Williams. Locks: Scott Barrett (captain), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry. Loose forwards: Ardie Savea (vice-captain), Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Wallace Sititi, Samipeni Finau, Dalton Papali’i, Sam Cane. Halfbacks: TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham. First five eighths: Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett. Midfield: Jordie Barrett (vice-captain), Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor, David Havili. Outside backs: Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a, Emoni Narawa, Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Stephen Perofeta, Ruben Love.
