All Blacks to name an extended squad

All Blacks coach Graham Henry will name an extended squad for the ABs' European Tour which comprises four Test matches against Italy, Wales, France and a clash with the Barbarians.

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) Board approved the expansion of the squad from 30 to 32 members on Thursday.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said the expanded squad was important in allowing the selectors to take additional players to cover the key positions of hooker and halfback.

But also in allowing more scope for development of an extended All Blacks squad in anticipation of an extremely demanding international season in 2005, which includes a British and Irish Lions tour.

Henry and his assistant coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen and fellow selector, Sir Brian Lochore, will announce their touring squad on Tuesday, October 26.