New Zealand Name World Cup Roster

Reigning World Cup champions and the number one ranked team in the world, New Zealand has had its 31-man player roster confirmed for the upcoming Rugby World Cup which gets under way in three weeks time. New Zealand will play in Pool C being joined by Argentina, Georgia, Namibia and Tonga.

The All Blacks’ share depth is apparent with Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Nepo Laulala, Charles Piutau, Lima Sopoaga and Jeremy Thrush all missing out. The omission of Thrush is of note as Steve Hansen has opted to take just three specialist second rows.

Hansen will be taking 17 forwards and 14 backs including Fijian Waisake Naholo who has recovered from a broken leg suffered playing against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder are newcomers this year who join Ben Smith and Julian Savea as wing options with Smith the likely starting fullback.

New Zealand will play on the opening weekend of the World Cup against Argentina at London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday September 20. Additional group matches will see the All Blacks playing Namibia at London’s Olympic Stadium, Georgia in Cardiff, Wales and Tonga in Newcastle.

FORWARDS
Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders), Charlie Faumuina (Blues), Ben Franks (Hurricanes), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Tony Woodcock (Blues), Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Luke Romano (Crusaders), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Richie McCaw (capt., Crusaders), Liam Messam (Chiefs), Kieran Read (Crusaders), Victor Vito (Hurricanes).

BACKS
Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Dan Carter (Crusaders), Colin Slade (Crusaders), Ma’a Nonu (Hurricanes), Sonny Bill Williams (Chiefs), Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), Julian Savea (Hurricanes), Nehe Milner-Skudder (Hurricanes), Ben Smith (Highlanders).