Looming tests represented a challenge to the All Blacks to lift their game.

June had been about getting game plans and structures in place and now was the time to refine them.

“We want to get a bit of versatility and not be a one-trick pony,” Hansen said when asked if the new approach was all about increasing the tempo.

The 28-man squad has also been bolstered by three wider training group players who will assemble with the squad but return to their ITM Cup teams on the Wednesday of each test week.

Those players are Hurricanes and Wellington lock Jeremy Thrush, Blues and North Harbour midfield back Francis Saili and his Blues teammate, Counties Manukau winger Frank Halai.

Meanwhile, Crusaders and Canterbury prop Joe Moody has also been brought in as injury cover for Wyatt Crockett who will miss the start of the Rugby Championship with a knee injury.

ALL BLACKS SQUAD

Props: Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody (injury cover)

Hookers: Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Dane Coles

Locks: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano

Loose-forwards: Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua

Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara

First-fives: Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett

Midfield: Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu,

Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Charles Piutau

Training squad members: Jeremy Thrush, Francis Saili, Frank Halai

– © Fairfax NZ News