Carter, SBW back in black

Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams have been included in the All Blacks squad for the end-of-year tour.

Carter's inclusion comes at the expense of Colin Slade, who showed nerves of steel to slot a conversion after the hooter in New Zealand's dramatic 29-28 victory over the Wallabies at the weekend.

Slade might still be offered a reprieve, as Carter is still struggling with injury after his return from the leg fracture that he suffered during the Super Rugby final earlier this year.

For Williams, the selection completes a rapid return to the top of rugby union. Having featured on a couple occasions for Counties Manukau in New Zealand's provincial competition, he'll make a return to the national set-up for the first time since 2012.

The All Blacks will also welcome back Victor Vito and Luke Romano from injury for the tour which starts in Chicago against the United States of America, before heading to Europe for matches against England, Scotland and Wales.

Augustine Pulu, the 24-year old Counties Manukau scrumhalf, is the only uncapped player to be named in the squad.

All Blacks squad:

Forwards – Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Victor Vito.

Backs – TJ Perenara, Augustine Pulu, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Ryan Crotty, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.

Photo: Simon Watts/Getty Images