Former captain Sam Cane and try-scoring winger Will Jordan were named on Sunday in a 36-man All Blacks squad to defend their Rugby Championship title.

Veteran flanker Cane was recalled despite having announced his retirement from international rugby at the end of this year, when he will take up a long-term Japanese club rugby deal with Suntory.

The 32-year-old’s last Test was the Rugby World Cup final loss to South Africa in Paris last October, when he was sent off in the first half for a high tackle, leaving his team facing a mountainous task.

Cane wasn’t named for New Zealand’s first three Tests of this year because of a back injury, but coach Scott Robertson said he would consider the 95-Test veteran again due to his leadership qualities.

Jordan also missed the two home Test wins over England and last week’s defeat of Fiji in San Diego after undergoing shoulder surgery. The 26-year-old has scored a remarkable 31 tries in 31 Tests, and was the leading try-scorer at last year’s World Cup, with eight.

ALSO: Barrett in doubt for Rugby Champs

Cane’s successor as captain, Scott Barrett, has been included in the squad despite undergoing surgery this week on a finger injury sustained in the San Diego Test. Team management haven’t put a timeline on Barrett’s recovery.

The squad’s only uncapped player is versatile Hurricanes back Ruben Love, 23, who has played at flyhalf and fullback.

There is a recall for Crusaders midfield back David Havili, while lock Sam Darry and scrum-half Noah Hotham have been retained after both made their debuts in the 47-5 win over Fiji. Scrumhalf Finlay Christie and winger Emoni Narawa have been omitted after being named for the England and Fiji Tests.

Robertson said selection was difficult but he placed value on experience. “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,” he said in a statement.

“It will be a special moment for Ruben being selected for the first time. He’s worked hard in the background and will be ready when his opportunity comes.”

New Zealand host Argentina for Tests in Wellington and Auckland in August before travelling to face the Springboks twice in September, followed by home-and-away matches against Australia.

All Blacks squad – Backs: Stephen Perofeta, Ruben Love, Will Jordan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham. Forwards: Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Dalton Papali’i, Sam Cane, Ethan Blackadder, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Scott Barrett (c), Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Tamaiti Williams, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Fletcher Newell, Tyrel Lomax, Ethan De Groot, Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, George Bell.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

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