Shock as Dagg left out of All Black World Cup squad

Israel Dagg

Hawke's Bay's Israel Dagg was the shock omission from the the All Black squad for the World Cup in England later this year when it was announced at Parliament in Wellington tonight.

Waisake Naholo's selection despite a broken leg suffered during his test debut against Argentina in Christchurch on July 17 is one of the big storylines of the 31-player squad which will look to defend their title in England starting on September 20.

While the selection of Naholo and other players considered to be on the fringe such as Colin Slade and Nehe Milner-Skudder were the positive stories, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and skipper Richie McCaw was mindful of the 10 players who will be left behind, most notably Israel Dagg, Cory Jane and Lima Sopoaga.

"You feel for them absolutely... I think there's been a bit of anxiety across everyone because you certainly weren't assured of anything," said McCaw.

"Unfortunately that's the nature of what we do. You can't pick everyone."We're just so lucky in New Zealand we have men of that calibre that unfortunately we can't take but if we get injuries they're pretty good guys to get on the plane and get over there. It would be pretty horrible to hear that today, they will be disappointed.

In a tweet shortly after the announcement, Dagg said: "Gutted to not be in the RWC2015 team but congrats and all the best @AllBlacks men.. it's been a hell of a journey cheers."

Dagg's misfortune means he will be available for the rest of Hawke's Bay's ITM Cup campaign.

All Blacks Rugby World Cup Squad:Props: Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Ben FranksHookers: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie TaylorLocks: Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Luke RomanoLoose Forwards: Jerome Kaino, Liam Messam, Richie McCaw (c), Sam Cane, Kieran Read, Victor VitoHalfbacks: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-BarlowFirst-Fives: Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin SladeMidfield Backs: Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Conrad Smith, Malakai FekitoaOutside Backs: Waisake Naholo, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Ben Smith

McCaw added of the All Blacks' chances: "There are 20 teams on the start line who think they can do the job and we're just one of them. But I think this crew is different to the one in 2011 you have to remember that and the team who gets the job done is the one who get it right in the next six weeks, regardless of what happened last week, last year or four years ago. That's just reality and the quicker you get your head around that the better."NZME pm mb