All Blacks Squad Announced

Junior

New Zealand coach Graham Henry will keep faith with the bulk of his Tri-Nations winning-squad when the World Cup favourites pursue glory in France this autumn.

Henry made few surprises when naming his party in Auckland on Sunday, but Wellington scrum-half Piri Weepu and Auckland flanker Troy Flavell were the big names to miss out.

Canterbury scrum-half Andrew Ellis and Waikato number eight Sione Lauaki were recalled after missing places in the Tri-Nations squad.

Weepu and Flavell were fined $500 for their part in a late-night drinking session in the run up to the 26-12 Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Auckland Saturday.

Centre Conrad Smith was also fined, but was included having only recently returned to the squad after eye, knee and shoulder injuries curtailed his Super 14 and Tri-Nations campaign.

Brendon Leonard moved ahead of Weepu behind incumbent Byron Kelleher, while Ellis pipped Weepu and Jimmy Cowan to a place.

'I would like to formally congratulate the squad,' said Henry. 'They are talented players who have worked hard to prove themselves over a long period of time.

'There's more work ahead. They get a week off and then are back into conditioning. We will also hold two camps in August.

'We have been working towards Rugby World Cup for years and now it is our only focus. We are doing everything we can in terms of preparation.'

Richie McCaw will captain a side including former skipper Reuben Thorne and Jerry Collins with several other members seeking to reclaim the World Cup before moving overseas.

Lauaki had a late fitness test on knee injuries before completing his comeback to the squad.

A space has been left for Canterbury prop Greg Somerville to prove his fitness.

Henry stated that a 29-man squad has been named, with one additional player to be added on August 14 - which will be Somerville, if fit.

Somerville missed almost a year of international rugby after sustaining an Achilles injury in South Africa last September but played 80 minutes for Canterbury in a 29-14 win over North Harbour yesterday.

Henry also mentioned locks Jason Eaton and James Ryan, who were not considered for selection due to injury.

New Zealand, who claimed the first World Cup in 1987, open their campaign against Italy on September 8 in Marseille.

New Zealand World Cup squad: Dan Carter, Jerry Collins, Andrew Ellis, Nick Evans, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Richie McCaw, Leon MacDonald, Chris Masoe, Aaron Mauger, Keven Mealamu, Mila Muliaina, Anton Oliver, Keith Robinson, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Reuben Thorne, Neemia Tialata, Isaia Toeava, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.

bugler

I hadn't heard about Weepu and Flavell being fined. To drop them is a strong message! I'd say Weepu in particular is gutted.

pd101

Its still a very strong squad but I just dont think there as strong a favourites as everyone is making out.

Looking forward to seeing them playing in Croker next year.

EdgarAllenPoo

pd101 wrote:

Looking forward to seeing them playing in Croker next year.

:eek: What?

I don't think that looks like New Zealand's strongest side to be honest although when put together any all black team is a handful some of the individual players don't look like world cup winners.

TarfHead

I was surprised about Weepu, not so much about Flavell. TO go from #2 to #4 in 2 weeks is some drop.

Also no Gear or Nonu or Holah ? If McCaw is injured, Masoe is not in the same class as Holah. Also I hadn't heard of Lauaki since the Lions tour

I'd love to see that smug smirk wiped off GH's face

Pinetree Boy

bugler wrote:

I hadn't heard about Weepu and Flavell being fined. To drop them is a strong message! I'd say Weepu in particular is gutted.

There is no suggestion down here that the Thursday night incident was why they were dropped. Non-players are allowed out for a few pints on the Thursday before a game but are expected back by mid-night. The group was late and got a minor fine.

Weepu was dropped on form and the selectors were always going to make a call between Thorne and Flavell. I think Thorne may well captain the side in the pool games Mc Caw doesn't play in so got the nod.

BOHSBOHS

yes but flavell is a lock , thorne is a no6 and has never played lock although he is a good lineout jumper ,

its leaves nz with ONLY 3 LOCKS in the squad (no backup) and considering how injury prone kiwi locks have been recently , when robinsons dodgy calf packs in again they cud be in trouble in that area , i wud have included flavell , although eaton and ryan wud be ahead of him if they were fit .
or mayb flavell and thorne at expense of lauaki, whos been out of the ab shirt for like 2 years?

weepu : i wud say most people are surprised he didnt bag one of the 3 scrumhalf spots , mayb out of form recently but wud have expected him to nip in ahead of ellis if not leonard.

gear : well i guess there was only 3 wing spots going and 4 top wingers someone had to lose out ,

all 3 were involved in the all night/morning pissup , which while may not be the main cause of their omission , probably sealed their fates!