MacDonald got the nod ahead of the likes of Marty Holah

Prop Neemia Tialata, lock Jason Eaton, loose forwards Angus MacDonald and Chris Masoe, and utility back Isaia Toeava are the new faces.

Masoe and MacDonald won two of the seven loose forward berths, with Marty Holah and Jerome Kaino missing out.

"Developing depth is part of our strategy going forward," said Henry.

"With Angus and Chris we've picked a couple of new players who have, or are developing, broad skill sets. Both also have the ability to cover more than one position."

MacDonald can play at lock as well as all three back-row positions, while Masoe can also play across the back row but is primed to understudy open-side king Richie McCaw.

If the Grand Slam happens that's a bonus Graham Henry

"(Masoe) is very destructive and it will be interesting to see how he develops playing at seven on this tour," Henry said.

Samoan-born Toeava, 19, has yet to play Super 12 rugby and has started only a handful of National Provincial Championship matches for newly-crowned champions Auckland.

"Isaia is a player who can play 10, 12, 13, wing or full-back, so he has huge utility value," Henry explained.

"When we come to World Cup time and are only permitted to pick 30 players, that utility value is going to be very important."

Former captain Anton Oliver, who missed the series victory over the Lions and the Tri-Nations through injury, returns to the squad, as does star fly-half Daniel Carter after his recovery from a broken leg.

Whitcombe out of tour

Experienced Taranaki hooker Andrew Hore, who last played for the All Blacks in the 2004 Tri Nations, also earns a recall, with Derren Witcombe unavailable with a neck injury.

Flanker Jono Gibbes was also unavailable through injury.

The All Blacks open their tour against Henry's former employers, Wales, on 5 November, before playing Ireland, England and Scotland on the three following Saturdays.

They are attempting to become the first New Zealand team to complete a 'Grand Slam' over the four home unions since Graham Mourie's side in 1978.

But Henry insists the 2007 World Cup remains the ultimate objective.

"We've got two tours, this year's tour and next year's tour to hone guys for the World Cup," he added. "If we put all the eggs in the Grand Slam basket I think we can come unstuck.

"If we have the same attitude as last year's tour to Europe when we went out to play attractive rugby, then the rest will take care of itself. If the Grand Slam happens that's a bonus."

New Zealand squad:

Backs: Mils Muliaina (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Doug Howlett (Auckland), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Isaia Toeava (Auckland), Ma'a Nonu (Wellington), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Tana Umaga (Wellington, captain), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington), Jimmy Cowan (Southland).