All Blacks chief Henry omits Gear but calls up Leonard and Schwalger

NEW Zealand rugby selectors picked scrum-half Brendon Leonard and prop John Schwalger for the first time and omitted winger Rico Gear for the All Blacks’ final matches before the World Cup.

Backup to Byron Kelleher at the Waikato Chiefs, Leonard edged out Jimmy Cowan and Andrew Ellis for the third scrum-half spot. Schwalger’s ability to prop both sides of the scrum was a “key factor’’ in the Wellington Hurricanes front-rower’s selection, said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

Next month’s two-match series against France and Test against Canada are the first of seven games for the All Blacks ahead of the World Cup in France in September and October. New Zealand, which won its only World Cup in 1987, are the bookmakers’ favourite this year.

“We’re focused on finding our form as fast as possible and then we want to build on it,’’ Henry said. “We are looking to improve on where we were last year and there’s a lot of work to do.”

The All Blacks have won 32 of 36 Tests since Henry took over as coach in December 2003. Leonard, 22, won selection after scoring five tries in 12 matches during his Super 14 debut season as Kelleher skipped most of the competition.

“Brendon has been the best attacking halfback in the Super 14 this season and has forced his way into the side based on form,’’ Henry said.

“I got the call last night and walked around the house absolutely stunned until my brother asked me what was up,” Leonard said.

Samoan-born Schwalger, 23, was elevated to the senior squad after playing for the Junior All Blacks last season.

“He’s young and developing all the time,’’ Henry said. “He’s got athletic ability around the field.’’ The All Blacks squad included all 20 available players who missed half the Super 14 to take part in a World Cup conditioning program. Prop Greg Somerville and lock Jason Eaton are injured. Auckland Blues trio Troy Flavell, Doug Howlett and Isaia Toeava were recalled after missing November’s tour to Europe.

ALL BLACKS SQUAD: D Carter, J Collins, N Evans, T Flavell, C Hayman, A Hore, D Howlett, C Jack, B Kelleher, B Leonard, L McAlister, R McCaw (captain), L MacDonald, C Masoe, A Mauger, K Mealamu, M Muliaina, A Oliver, K Robinson, J Rokocoko, J Schwalger, S Sivivatu, C Smith, R So’oialo, R Thorne, N Tialata, I Toeava, P Weepu, A Williams, T Woodcock.

JUNIOR ALL BLACKS SQUAD: J Afoa, S Brett, D Braid (co-captain), J Cowan, W Crockett, C Dermody, S Donald, A Ellis, R Filipo, C Flynn, R Gear, S Hamilton, M Holah (co-captain), C Jane, C Johnstone, J Kaino, C Laulala, H MacDonald, Ma’a Nonu, G Rawlinson, K Read, M Tuiali’i, A Tuitavake, S Tuitupou, D Witcombe, R Wulf.