Winger Jonah Lomu and flyhalf Andrew Mehrtens were left out of the New Zealand squad today for this year's tournament in Australia.
Lomu (28), who is undergoing dialysis treatment for a rare kidney ailment, has barely played this year while Mehrtens, the All Blacks' leading points scorer, has had an injury-plagued season and has fallen out of favour with coach John Mitchell and his fellow selectors.
"Jonah was not considered," Mitchell told a news conference. "He really hasn't played enough rugby. We are full of admiration of him to give it a go after his illness. I spoke to him today and he was very realistic and wished us all the best."
Mitchell said the selectors had given considerable thought to bringing Mehrtens back but felt they had three players who could play the position.
"We've gone through every likely scenario that could occur. We had Carlos Spencer as our first five-eighth [flyhalf] and Aaron Mauger in the mix who can play first five-eighth and also have Dan Carter who can play there".
Also omitted was record tryscorer and new Munster full-back Christian Cullen.
Blindside flanker Reuben Thorne will lead the side, which is based on the squad that convincingly won the Tri-nations, while fullback Ben Blair, centre Ma'a Nonu, scrumhalf Byron Kelleher, and loose forward Rodney So'oialo were all recalled.
Auckland openside flanker Daniel Braid, who played one test last year on the tour to Britain and France, was a surprise inclusion, while Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn is the only uncapped player.
New Zealand, one of the World Cup favourites, are in Pool D with Wales, Canada, Italy and Tonga. Their first match is against Italy on October 11th.
The squad:
Backs:Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Ben Blair, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Daniel Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Caleb Ralph, Joe Rokocoko, Aaron Mauger, Carlos Spencer, Justin Marshall, Steve Devine, Byron Kelleher.
Forwards: Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo, Richard McCaw, Marty Holah, Daniel Braid, Reuben Thorne (captain), Chris Jack, Brad Thorn, Ali Williams, Kees Meeuws, Greg Somerville, Keven Mealamu, Mark Hammett, Corey Flynn, Dave Hewett, Carl Hoeft.