Crusaders midfielder Dallas McLeod is the biggest surprise in the All Blacks’ first squad of 2023.

McLeod has bolted in to the 36-man Rugby Championship squad as one of five new caps named by All Blacks coach Ian Foster, joining Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams, Chiefs loose forward Samipeni Finau, Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard and Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa as the new faces.

“This is very special day for them and their families who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements,” Foster said. “We have a new group of exciting players who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey.”

Another uncapped player, Shaun Stevenson, was a surprising omission but has been added as injury cover for Mark Telea.

McLeod got the nod in midfield over Crusaders teammate Jack Goodhue, who was included in the second-string All Blacks XV squad, and incoming Crusader Levi Aumua, who wasn’t selected for either squad.

Other notable names to miss selection were Hoskins Sotutu (not in either squad), Akira Ioane and Brad Weber.

Foster detailed the qualities that saw McLeod force his way into the squad.

“We see Dallas primarily being a midfielder. Probably 12. It’s an area with Davy [Havili] and Quinn [Tupaea] on the injured list, it’s a chance for us to have a look at him there. But his versatility - I thought he’s played really well on the wing. It’s probably been a selection by necessity. He’s fast and strong. He’s courageous under the ball, a great chaser of the ball. I guess it’s his versatility that’s going to be critical for us. We’ve got a chance in a slightly bigger squad to bring him in and see where it goes.”

Foster also admitted the performances in the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals did change the squad, but was pleased with the variety of his 36 players selected.

“One [player] went in and one went out.

“I love the blend. We’ve got a lot of experienced players who know what it is to get ready for a World Cup and get ready for test matches. We’ve got a group that’s been through some adversity and built a lot of character last year and we’ve got a really nice blend of some young players who I think have played their way in through this year’s Super Rugby campaign.

“They bring a different ingredient into the group. A bit of excitement. A challenge. And the Rugby Championship’s going to be vital for us to see where they’re at and see how that looks when we narrow that down to 33.”

Foster also confirmed Sam Cane will continue as All Blacks captain.

“Sam has proven himself as a great leader of our team despite having had a disrupted couple of seasons leading into this one,” said Foster. “We have total belief that he is the right man to lead us.”

The All Blacks XV squad includes nine players who have previously played for the All Blacks, with Aidan Ross, Asafo Aumua, Pita Gus Sowakula, Folau Fakatava, Stephen Perofeta and Brett Cameron joining Goodhue, Ioane and Weber in the squad that will play in Japan next month.

Ten players were unavailable for selection due to injury - Angus Ta’avao, Ethan Blackadder, Cullen Grace, David Havili, Joe Moody, George Bower, Patrick Tuipulotu, Quinn Tupaea, Sevu Reece and TJ Perenara.