New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen says Brad Shields would "probably" have been included in the All Blacks squad if he had not opted to play for England.
Wellington Hurricanes skipper Shields, whose parents are English, cited constantly being overlooked for the All Blacks as a factor when he switched allegiance to England and was picked for their June tour of South Africa.
But Hansen, who named his squad on Sunday to play France next month, said Shields would "probably" have been selected had he made himself available.
Injuries and form forced Hansen to select four inexperienced loose forwards - newcomers Jordan Taufua and Shannon Frizell along with Vaea Fifita and Luke Whitelock who have seven Tests between them.
"It is obviously one of those positions ... he (Shields) probably would have made this team this year," Hansen told Radio Newstalk ZB.
"I wish him all the best. He wants to play Test rugby, he obviously didn't see a future here."
With the retirement of Jerome Kaino and injuries to Kieran Read and Liam Squire, Hansen said filling the six and eight jerseys had been a focus for the selectors.
"That's the thing about the All Blacks, you've got to stay resilient because you are always up against someone else as good if not a little better.
"If you are not prepared to wait for the opportunity and keep working at it you are not going to get it."
New Zealand squad:
Backs: Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Rieko Ioane, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Ryan Crotty, Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith.
Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Jordan Taufua, Liam Squire, Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock (c), Owen Franks, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Jeff To'omaga-Allen, Tim Perry, Joe Moody, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor.
The All Blacks will play France in Auckland on June 9, in Wellington on June 16 and in Dunedin on June 23.