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Rugby Union

All Blacks announce World Cup squad

23/07/2007

The New Zealand All Blacks have unveiled their squad for the rugby World Cup in September, with one place left to fill before the final deadline of August 14th.

Coach Graham Henry has chosen to name his players early, although he has formally announced only 29 of the 30 allotted spots on the roster ahead of the trip to France later in the autumn.

Already included is young scrum-half Andrew Ellis, who admitted the call-up was "a bit of a shock, but a nice sort of shock".

Flanker Sione Lauaki is another surprise inclusion who makes the squad ahead of experienced campaigners Piri Weepu and Troy Flavell.

Lock forwards Jason Eaton and James Ryan are both set to miss out because of injury and have consequently been passed over for selection.

"They are talented players who have worked hard to prove themselves over a long period of time," Henry said.

"There's more work ahead. They get a week off and then are back into conditioning. We will also hold two camps in August.

"We have been working towards the rugby World Cup for years and now it is our only focus.

"We are doing everything we can in terms of preparation."

Flanker Richie McCaw has been named the All Black captain, and he will lead the side out for their first match against Italy on September 8th.

Full All Blacks squad for World Cup 2007:
Richie McCaw (Canterbury, captain)
Dan Carter (Canterbury)
Jerry Collins (Wellington)
Andrew Ellis (Canterbury)
Nick Evans (Otago)
Carl Hayman (Otago)
Andrew Hore (Taranaki)
Doug Howlett (Auckland)
Chris Jack (Tasman)
Byron Kelleher (Waikato)
Sione Lauaki (Waikato)
Brendon Leonard (Waikato)
Luke McAlister (North Harbour)
Leon MacDonald (Canterbury)
Chris Masoe (Wellington)
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury)
Keven Mealamu (Auckland)
Malili Muliaina (Waikato)
Anton Oliver (Otago)
Keith Robinson (Waikato)
Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland)
Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato)
Conrad Smith (Wellington)
Rodney So'oialo (Wellington)
Reuben Thorne (Canterbury)
Neemia Tialata (Wellington)
Isaia Toeava (Auckland)
Ali Williams (Auckland)
Tony Woodcock (North Harbour)

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