Photos: All Blacks World Cup squadKEY POINTS:
Bustling No 8 Sione Lauaki and halfback Andrew Ellis have been included in the All Blacks squad named today to contest the sixth rugby World Cup in France.
Flanker Richie McCaw will captain the squad which comprises 15 forwards and 14 backs, with one additional player to be named before the International Rugby Board deadline on August 14.
That position will be filled by veteran Canterbury prop Greg Somerville if he can prove his fitness after a long period recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.
The squad features two players who will attend their third World Cup -- halfback Byron Kelleher and flanker Reuben Thorne.
However, the biggest talking points are the return of Lauaki and Ellis, who take the places of lock Troy Flavell and halfback Piri Weepu from the team who won the Tri-Nations with last night's 26-12 victory over Australia at Eden Park.
If selected, 55-test veteran Somerville will take the place of one-test Wellington prop John Schwalger.
Somerville's selection would mean exactly half of the players were involved in the 2003 tournament where New Zealand were eliminated by Australia in the semifinal.
Lauaki has played seven tests, the last nearly two years ago against Scotland in Edinburgh when the All Blacks won the Grand Slam.
Injury and selection preference has kept him out since, despite some powerful form at domestic level.
He was unavailable for the Tri-Nations after undergoing an operation on both his knees but played for the Junior All Blacks in the latter part of the Pacific Nations Cup tournament last month.
Ellis played on last November's tour to Europe and comes in for Weepu, who coach Graham Henry said was out of form. The Canterbury No 9 played himself into contention with some strong showings for the Junior All Blacks.
The squad otherwise contains no surprises, with coach Graham Henry naming a settled, experienced group of players.
Henry said the players would now have a week off before reassembling for training camps in Christchurch and Auckland.
"I would like to formally congratulate the squad," said Henry.
"They are talented players who have worked hard to prove themselves over a long period of time."
Eleven of the All Blacks squad will also take part in the early rounds of the Air New Zealand Cup.
Two recent All Blacks, locks Jason Eaton and James Ryan, were not considered for selection due to injury.
"We have been working towards Rugby World Cup for years and now it is our only focus,' Henry added. "We are doing everything we can in terms of preparation."
New Zealand are seeking to end a 20-year World Cup drought since winning the inaugural tournament in 1987.
They have bowed out in either the final or semifinal stage since.
All Blacks World Cup Squad
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Nick Evans, Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Ellis.
Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Sione Lauaki, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.
- NZPA, NZ HERALD STAFF
