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Rugby Union

All Blacks opt for Somerville

14/08/2007

New Zealand have announced prop Greg Somerville as the final name on the 30-man squad list for the upcoming Rugby World Cup after he proved his fitness to selectors.

A 55-cap veteran who can play in the front row at both tight-head and loose-head, Somerville has suffered a variety of injuries in recent months.

Last year he was sidelined by an Achilles injury sustained during the 2006 Tri-Nations tournament before he returned to domestic action for club side Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Soon after his return he suffered a debilitating eye injury, which threatened his World Cup hopes, but he has now received full clearance from his optic surgeon and has resumed full-contact training.

"I'd like to congratulate Greg for his perseverance," said All Blacks coach Graham Henry.

"He has come back well from a couple of injuries and the way he handled set-backs during rehab shows the quality of the man.

"The signs are that he'll be ready for contact before we leave for France, and we'll have a good amount of training time with him in Marseille as well."

New Zealand had held the final spot on their roster for the World Cup until the last minute to give Somerville the best possible chance to make the trip to France.

And his inclusion means the world number one All Blacks travel with a full-strength squad in the hope of fulfilling their ranking in world rugby to lift the Webb-Ellis Trophy for the first time since the opening tournament in 1987.

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