NEW ZEALAND:ALL BLACKS coach Graham Henry opted to remain loyal to a solid core of players that have been together for at least five years when he named New Zealand's 30-man World Cup squad yesterday.
Much of the squad had been signalled before New Zealand Rugby Union president Bryan Williams read out the list of names. Several players, including loose forward Liam Messam and lock Jarrad Hoeata, had already returned home, having been told after last Saturday’s 18-5 Tri-Nations loss to South Africa in Port Elizabeth they had not made the final cut.
“There are five or six gentleman who haven’t been selected and our thoughts are with them,” Henry said in Brisbane yesterday.
Openside flanker Richie McCaw will lead the side, many of whom have helped the All Blacks notch up 40 victories in 49 Tests since the last tournament in France, in his third World Cup.
Only loose forward Victor Vito could be considered a surprise choice after he was initially overlooked for the Tri-Nations, before being called up for last week’s match against the Springboks, where he played 11 minutes off the bench.
The Wellington player’s inclusion came at the cost of Messam, whose inability to impose himself at the breakdown against a massive South Africa pack in Port Elizabeth was his downfall.
With nine players in the squad having accumulated more than 50 Test caps and three others closing in on the milestone, Henry will combine experience with youthful exuberance.
However, the coach has taken a gamble on several players returning from long-term injuries.
Outside backs Isaia Toeava and Israel Dagg, centre Richard Kahui and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock all started in Port Elizabeth, having had little rugby under their belts this year. “Their selection was on the line during that game,” Henry added. “We couldn’t select the side until that game was complete.”
New Zealand
BACKS– Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Cory Jane, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Maa Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Richard Kahui, Daniel Carter, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis.
FORWARDS– Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Victor Vito, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, John Afoa.
