Justin Marshall will not tour Europe

Coach Graham Henry has decided to rest the duo and blood eight new players in a new-look 32-man squad.

Steve Bates, Jerome Kaino, Saimone Taumoepeau, Luke McAlister, Casey Laulala, Conrad Smith, Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu are all new names.

"We need to establish a solid base in terms of experience and selection options," Henry said.

"The matches against Italy, Wales, France and the Barbarians offer us every opportunity to do that."

Henry has recalled hookers Anton Oliver and Corey Flynn, lock Norm Maxwell, centre Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo.

ALL BLACKS SCHEDULE 13 Nov: Italy 20 Nov: Wales 27 Nov: France 4 Dec: Barbarians

Injury has ruled out Carlos Spencer, Sam Tuitupou and Keith Robinson, while Kees Meeuws and Simon Maling are heading overseas to take up lucrative contracts.

Nick Evans, Andrew Hore, Craig Newby and Xavier Rush have been dropped through lack of form, with Marshall and Mehrtens the most notable players left at home.

Henry said the decision not to select the pair was to allow the likes of Byron Kelleher, Cowan and Weepu, and Daniel Carter, Aaron Mauger and McAlister, to gain experience at half-back.

"We are looking to utilise that potential to build depth in key areas that will position the All Blacks well for the challenges in 2005 and beyond," he added.

Marshall, the second most capped scrum-half in Test rugby with 77 Tests, has been invited to play for the Barbarians against the All Blacks at Twickenham on 4 December.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has agreed to release him for the match, which will be his first in another international team's colours.

"After 10 years playing for the All Blacks, it will be a unique opportunity for me to prepare with another team against the All Blacks," Marshall said.

Forwards: Steven Bates, Jerry Collins, Corey Flynn, Jono Gibbes, Carl Hayman, Marty Holah, Chris Jack, Jerome Kaino, Norm Maxwell, Richard McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Saimone Taumoepeau, Mose Tuiali'i, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.