'Toughest selections' prove ABs are heading in right direction

All Blacks selector Andrew Blues is confident New Zealand rugby is in good health after the All Blacks squad was announced for the upcoming Rugby Championship.

The squad includes a number of new faces, as well as some experienced players who have been out of the side for a while.

Blues said the selectors had a tough time picking the squad, which is a sign of the strength of New Zealand rugby.

"It was one of the toughest selections we've had in a long time," Blues said.

"There were a lot of players who were in contention, and it was a really difficult decision to make."

Blues said the selectors were looking for players who were in good form, and who were also good team players.

"We wanted to pick a squad that was going to be competitive in the Rugby Championship, and we also wanted to pick a squad that was going to be successful in the World Cup next year," Blues said.

The All Blacks will play their first Rugby Championship match against Argentina on August 18.