August 23, 2011 - 12:46PM
Sitiveni Sivivatu has missed the cut. Photo: Getty Images
The All Blacks 30-man squad to contest the Rugby World Cup was unveiled today by coach Graham Henry.
Captained by Richie McCaw at his third World Cup, the squad features a 16-forward, 14-back split.
The contentious winger positions have been won by Zac Guildford, Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava, leaving no room for Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu.
The most notable inclusion in the forwards is Wellington loose forward Victor Vito, who is selected ahead of Waikato's Liam Messam.
John Afoa is the fourth prop, selected ahead of Wyatt Crockett while Anthony Boric - who has been sidelined for two months with injury - wins the fourth locking spot ahead of Jarrad Hoeata.
McCaw, first five-eighth Dan Carter, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Ali Williams will take part in their third consecutive tournament.
Seven players will contest their second tournament - hooker Corey Flynn, midfielder Ma'a Nonu and lock Brad Thorn played in the 2003 campaign; while prop Tony Woodcock, halfback Andy Ellis, centre Conrad Smith and outside back Isaia Toeava played in Rugby World Cup 2007.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said he was pleased with the strength of his squad.
"Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those players selected. It's an incredibly exciting time for the team and a unique opportunity to represent New Zealand at home. The players will be facing the ultimate rugby challenge - playing for the most coveted trophy in world rugby, the Rugby World Cup," he said.
"At the same time I want to pay tribute to those players who have missed out on selection. It was an incredibly difficult process; all the players who missed selection are not only outstanding players but special people. We are close as a group which made this selection all the more difficult."
Henry said the side had "generally" been picked on form.
"We believe there is a good balance; a blend of experienced All Blacks -with nine players who have played more than 50 Tests - while at the other end of the scale we have seven players who have played fewer than a dozen tests who bring youthful enthusiasm to the side.
"There is also a balance in the fact that we have players who are specialists in their position while others have utility value and can cover a number of positions, so we have the players to cover any possibilities which may be thrown up during the tournament."
The All Blacks squad is in Brisbane preparing for the final match of the Tri Nations against Australia on Saturday.
Squad:
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Corey Jane, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Colin Slade, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis
Forwards: Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (capt), Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore, Corey Flynn
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