Sonny Bill Williams' return to the All Blacks has been confirmed with a place in the squad to contest the Rugby Championship.
Double World Cup winner Williams missed the June test against Wales and has not played Super Rugby because of his Olympics sevens commitments.
But once his campaign in Rio finishes, Williams will rush into the All Blacks squad.
He will miss the opening match on August 20, a Bledisloe Cup battle against the Wallabies in Sydney but is expected to be available for selection after that.
Meanwhile Setareki Tamanivalu has missed out on selection and has been replaced by George Moala.
The need to have three halfbacks sees young Chiefs utility Damian McKenzie squeezed out despite some outstanding Super Rugby form.
Big left wing Julian Savea holds his place despite falling out of favour with the Hurricanes during their playoffs run to the Super Rugby final.
ALL BLACKS RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP SQUAD
Hookers: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris.
Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumunina, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu'ungafasi.
Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock.
Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Elliot Dixon, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire.
Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr‑Barlow.
