Surprises in All Blacks squad for World Cup

The All Blacks have shown their hand for the Rugby World Cup. Two-time defending Webb Ellis Cup winner Steve Hansen has named his final 31 for the upcoming tournament and it is not without surprises with some high profile players left out.

Most notable is the exclusion of test centurion prop Owen Franks, who sees his tighthead spot handed to Chiefs pair Nepo Laulala and Angus Ta’avao. Meanwhile despite having just one test cap and no starts to his name, Luke Jacobson makes the cut in the back row with no sign of more traditional blindside options Vaea Fifita, Liam Squire, or Jackson Hemopo.

With no Fifita and Hemopo in particular, New Zealand will be running on bare-bones at lock during the pool stage as Hansen confirmed that first choice Brodie Retallick is not expected to be fit to play part in the pool stage. The former World Rugby Player of the Year injured his shoulder playing against South Africa last month.

Rieko Ioane has been named in the face of speculation the star winger could miss out on form, but there is no place for dynamic Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape. Sonny Bill Williams retains his spot with Ryan Crotty recalled having not played since June with a broken thumb.

New Zealand missed out on the Rugby Championship title this year for the first time since 2015 but remain favorites in Japan. They have been drawn in Pool B and will open their tournament against South Africa on September 21 with further games against Canada, Namibia, and Italy.

A detailed squad list can be seen here.

FORWARDS
Nepo Laulala (Chiefs), Joe Moody (Crusaders), Atu Moli (Chiefs), Angus Ta’avao (Chiefs), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues), Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Liam Coltman (Highlanders), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Scott Barrett (Crusaders), Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Patrick Tu’ipulotu (Blues), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Kieran Read (capt., Crusaders), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Matt Todd (Crusaders)

BACKS
TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Aaron Smith (Highlanders), Brad Weber (Chiefs), Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Richie Mo’unga (Crusaders), Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), Jack Goodhue (Crusaders), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Sonny Bill Williams (Blues), Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes), George Bridge (Crusaders), Rieko Ioane (Blues), Sevu Reece (Crusaders), Ben Smith (Highlanders)