Michael Jones Returns to All Blacks Squad for England Test

After a 12-month absence due to a knee injury, Michael Jones, one of the world's best blind-side flankers, will make his comeback for the New Zealand All Blacks in the first Test against England in Dunedin. John Hart, the All Blacks coach, has praised Jones' determination and passion, saying he is recalled not because he is simply holding on, but because no one else is better than him. The coach has also called up Canterbury centre Mark Mayerhofler and two relatively new All Blacks, scrum-half Ofisa Tonu'u and hooker Anton Oliver, to join the team.

Key Takeaways:

• Michael Jones, 33-year-old Auckland forward, returns to the All Blacks squad 12 months after a knee injury against Fiji.
• Jones has won over 50 caps for New Zealand and is considered one of the world's best blind-side flankers.
• Coach John Hart has praised Jones' determination and passion, saying he is recalled because no one else is better than him.
• Canterbury centre Mark Mayerhofler, 23, makes his Test debut in place of Frank Bunce, bringing speed, kicking ability, and a high work-rate to the game.
• Taine Randell, the 23-year-old Maori No. 8, is confirmed as the new captain in succession to Sean Fitzpatrick, who retired in March.
• Jonah Lomu, who has recovered from a foot injury, may win a place in the Dunedin Test if he shows form for New Zealand A against England in Hamilton.
• England captain Matt Dawson is poised to make his first appearance of the tour against New Zealand A, despite missing the Brisbane Test due to a knee injury.

Statistics:

• Michael Jones has won over 50 caps for New Zealand.
• Jones has been away from the team for 12 months due to a knee injury.

Sources:

• "Hart calls Jones back into the limelight" by Murray Deaker, The Dominion Post (no date mentioned).
• "England regain Dawson" by John Carlin, The Observer (no date mentioned).
• The New Zealand Herald, May 16 (no year mentioned).
• The Nelson Mail, May 16 (no year mentioned).