Defence will be a clear focus point for the All Blacks with the reintroduction of assistant coach Wayne Smith.
Smith left the All Blacks after seven years of service following their 2011 World Cup win, but rejoined the coaching staff earlier this year.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The All Blacks, apart from those from the Hurricanes and Highlanders, are in camp with their first Test against Samoa in Apia on July 8th.
The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says Smith's already sharing his defensive strategies.
Hansen says they know they can't just sit on the game they've got, if they do that then someone is going to go past them.
He says they have to continually grow who and what they are and how they do it, is extremely important.
Hansen says Smith's inclusion will help balance the team's focus between attack and defence come the Rugby World Cup later this year.
The All Blacks coach also says incumbent outside backs Israel Dagg, Corey Jane and Charles Piutau are under pressure from Waisake Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder to retain their spots.
All five players have been included in the 41-man squad for the Test against Samoa and the Rugby Championship, alongside guaranteed starters Ben Smith and Julian Savea.
Veterans Dagg and Jane and Ulster bound Piutau have missed large chunks of Super Rugby due to injury while wing Naholo, the competition's top try scorer, and fullback Milner-Skudder have starred for the Highlanders and Hurricanes respectively.
Hansen says the more established players have their work cut out to keep Naholo and Milner-Skudder out of the team.
