Read rules himself out of Samoa clash

Injured All Blacks captain Kieran Read has ruled himself out of the All Blacks' opening test of 2017 against Samoa next Friday.

Speaking at today's All Blacks squad announcement for the upcoming tests against the Pacific Island nation and the British and Irish Lions, Read said he will visit a specialist tomorrow to assess his fractured thumb.

"I'm seeing the specialist tomorrow," the 97-test veteran said.

"We've had x-rays done this week, so that will just hopefully re-affirm that everything's on track and that I can start using the thumb again.

"I think Samoa is probably right out of the question, then it's just going to be how it responds."

The 31-year-old injured his thumb during the Crusaders' 48-21 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein in April.

Despite no game time since sustaining the injury, Read is confident of making a smooth comeback into the black jersey.

"I've got the confidence in myself that I can turn up and play at a high level," he told Radio Sport last month.

"I'll back myself and I'll be good, ready to go."

The All Blacks' first test of the year against Samoa will take place at Eden Park on June 16, while the first test of the British and Irish Lions series will kick off at the same venue on June 24.