Four new caps were named in a 33-man All Blacks rugby squad on Sunday for a six-match tour to Japan, Britain, France and Italy starting this month.

Flyhalf Mike Delany, 27, winger Zac Guilford, 20, fullback Ben Smith, 23, and utility back Tamati Ellison, 26, were included in the squad named by New Zealand coaches Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen.

The All Blacks will play Australia in Tokyo on October 31, Wales at Cardiff on November 7, Italy at Milan on November 14, England at London on November 21, France at Marseille a week later and the Barbarians at London on December 5.

"I would like to congratulate all those players picked, especially the new caps," Henry said.

"The selectors were impressed by the high standard of play in the Air New Zealand Cup (New Zealand's National Provincial Championship) and that is reflected in the selection of players who have been standouts in the competition."

Delany wins his first international callup after a series of outstanding performances this season for his Bay of Plenty province. The versatile flyhalf, who also plays at fullback, has been a member of his provincial side since 2005 and made his Super 14 debut last year for the Waikato Chiefs.

Guilford was a star of the New Zealand team which won the Under-20 Rugby World Cup this year, made his Super 14 debut for the Wellington Hurricanes, and is the top tryscorer in the National Provincial Championship with 13 tries.

Smith is in only his third season of provincial rugby and debuted in the Super 14 this year for the Otago Highlanders but claimed All Blacks selection with a strong domestic season.

Ellison, who covers most backline positions, has been a standby member of the New Zealand squad for most of the season but has yet to make his international debut.

The All Blacks squad also features the recall from injury of hooker Corey Flynn, his Canterbury Crusaders teammate, halfback Andy Ellis, and lock Anthony Boric.

Boric takes the place of young lock Isaac Ross, who is the squad's most surprising omission. Ross made his All Blacks debut in the first test of the season against France and played impressively through a series of poor New Zealand performances.

His quick development was recognised when he was given responsibility for calling All Blacks lineout throws during Tri-Nations tests against South Africa and Australia. The New Zealand lineout functioned poorly in those matches and Ross appears to have forfeited his place as a result.

Players not considered for selection because of injury include halfback Piri Weepu, center Richard Kahui, hooker Keven Mealamu and lock Ali Williams.

Henry said the All Blacks had two objectives for the coming tour.

"We want to play quality rugby that we are proud of," he said.

"The tour is also the opportunity for players to put their hand up when it comes to selection for the All Blacks for the future."

The squad will assemble in Auckland next week and will fly to Japan next weekend.

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