Rugby:New Zealand have named the most experienced squad in their history as they go in search of a second World Cup on home soil next month, with coach Graham Henry omitting wingers Sitiveni Sivivatu and Hosea Gear from his 30-man squad.
Zac Guildford, Cory Jane and Isaia Toeava were chosen as the wingers, while secondrow Anthony Boric was picked even though he hasn’t played for the All Blacks this year because of a foot injury. Late call-up Victor Vito was selected ahead of Liam Messam amongst the backrows.
Flanker Richie McCaw will captain a squad featuring 16 forwards and 14 backs as top-ranked New Zealand seeks to end its 24-year drought at rugby's four-yearly championship. With a combined 1,133 Test appearances, it’s the most experienced All Blacks squad ever assembled.
“There’s a good balance," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in a statement. “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.
McCaw, outhalf Dan Carter, hooker Keven Mealamu, fullback Mils Muliaina and lock Ali Williams were selected for their third straight World Cup., while Ma’a Nonu, Corey Flynn and Brad Thorn return after missing the 2007 edition in France.
Other 2011 All Blacks to miss selection include wing Ben Smith, prop Wyatt Crockett and lock Jarrad Hoeata. They’ll be included in a pool of back-up players to cover for injuries at the six-week tournament, Henry said.
New Zealand squad
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg, Isaia Toeava, Cory Jane, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Ma’a 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.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IMNWKIX5DFFCFE5CD5NLBU6EVY.png)