New Zealand name World Cup squad

Pa
Tuesday 23 August 2011 12:53 BST
Comments

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has announced his 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup with no place for quintet Sitiveni Sivivatu, Wyatt Crockett, Liam Messam, Jarrad Hoeata and Hosea Gear.

The five players were the notable absentees as Henry confirmed rumours by sticking with youth and form as opposed to experience.

The non selection is a blow for Gear, whose brother Rico was a shock absentee from the 2007 squad that travelled to France.

Sivivatu could also count himself unlucky after his stellar performance in the All Blacks' 60-14 victory over Fiji saw Henry heap praise on the Fijian winger, whom he described as the best player on the field in the first half.

Crusaders and Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford was chosen ahead of Sivivatu after a fine outing against Australia.

Crockett lost out to the ever-athletic John Afoa, who was severely tested in Port Elizabeth last weekend.

Hoeata, who made his debut for the All Blacks in Dunedin, is the victim of a resurgent Sam Whitelock and fit Blues and All Blacks lock Anthony Boric.

The All Blacks are in Brisbane for their final Tri-Nations clash against the Wallabies on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.

All Blacks' World Cup squad: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Zac Guildford, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (capt), Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Kieran Read, Colin Slade, Conrad Smith, Adam Thomson, Brad Thorn, Isaia Toeava, Victor Vito, Piri Weepu, Sam Whitelock, Ali Williams, Sonny Bill Williams, Tony Woodcock.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in