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Wellington - Flyhalf Aaron Cruden, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2008, was one of four uncapped players named by New Zealand in a 26-man squad for home tests against Ireland and Wales next month.
The Wellington Hurricane needed a testicle removed and nine weeks of chemotherapy to beat the disease, going on to be named 2009 International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior Player of the Year after captaining New Zealand to the under-20 world title. The 21-year-old's selection, however, is a surprise considering he was not a starter for the Hurricanes at the beginning of this year's Super 14 campaign.
He will now be understudy to All Blacks record points scorer Dan Carter.
The three other uncapped players in the squad are Cruden's Hurricanes loose forward team mate Victor Vito, Otago Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg and Auckland Blues back Benson Stanley.
"We have selected what is a balanced squad with a mix of experienced All Blacks ... as well as new caps who have been the form players of the Super 14," Henry said.
New Zealand have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks with Stephen Donald (shoulder), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Ma'a Nonu (knee), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles) amongst those ruled out. The squad, once again led by twice IRB player of the year Richie McCaw, also features Canterbury Crusaders prop Ben Franks and his brother Owen.
The All Blacks will face Ireland in New Plymouth on June 12 before hosting Wales on consecutive Saturday's in Dunedin and Hamilton.
New Zealand have never lost to Ireland and are unbeaten when hosting Wales but Henry still believes the All Blacks have a tough challenge ahead.
"They are both bringing very experienced squads and both have won Grand Slams in recent years. They have very good rugby players and we are expecting them to be incredibly challenging test matches," Henry said.
All Black Squad:
Forwards: Anthony Boric, Aled de Malmanche, Tom Donnelly, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Victor Vito, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Piri Weepu.
The Wellington Hurricane needed a testicle removed and nine weeks of chemotherapy to beat the disease, going on to be named 2009 International Rugby Board (IRB) Junior Player of the Year after captaining New Zealand to the under-20 world title. The 21-year-old's selection, however, is a surprise considering he was not a starter for the Hurricanes at the beginning of this year's Super 14 campaign.
He will now be understudy to All Blacks record points scorer Dan Carter.
The three other uncapped players in the squad are Cruden's Hurricanes loose forward team mate Victor Vito, Otago Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg and Auckland Blues back Benson Stanley.
"We have selected what is a balanced squad with a mix of experienced All Blacks ... as well as new caps who have been the form players of the Super 14," Henry said.
New Zealand have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks with Stephen Donald (shoulder), Andrew Hore (shoulder), Ma'a Nonu (knee), Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder), Isaia Toeava (hip) and Ali Williams (Achilles) amongst those ruled out. The squad, once again led by twice IRB player of the year Richie McCaw, also features Canterbury Crusaders prop Ben Franks and his brother Owen.
The All Blacks will face Ireland in New Plymouth on June 12 before hosting Wales on consecutive Saturday's in Dunedin and Hamilton.
New Zealand have never lost to Ireland and are unbeaten when hosting Wales but Henry still believes the All Blacks have a tough challenge ahead.
"They are both bringing very experienced squads and both have won Grand Slams in recent years. They have very good rugby players and we are expecting them to be incredibly challenging test matches," Henry said.
All Black Squad:
Forwards: Anthony Boric, Aled de Malmanche, Tom Donnelly, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Keven Mealamu, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Victor Vito, Tony Woodcock.
Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Mils Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Piri Weepu.
