Rejected All Blacks to meet selectors

Twelve players who failed to make the 31-man World Cup squad have one-on-one meetings with the All Black coaches in Wellington tomorrow, who will push them through their emotional pain barrier so they are ready if called on during the tournament

Andy Ellis, Charles Piutau, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ryan Crotty, Nepo Laulala, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst, Lima Sopoaga, Joe Moody, Hika Elliot and George Moala would get the onwards and upwards message, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Assistant coach Ian Foster said: "I guess the actual content of those meetings is between us and the player - we want to make it really clear overall the reasons why we've picked this group

"We like to see ourselves as a family and when someone gets bad news they need time to mourn and grieve.

"Then we move on very quickly. They are very important - (we need) a strong group back here ready to play. It is really tough missing out when you put a lot into it - we understand the hurt but need to get on with it

"We are taking 31 but history says we'll likely need more and that group is vital for us. We need to get them refocused and get them really clear about what they need to do in the next three or four weeks."

Players can be replaced during the tournament - the injured player cannot return while the newcomer has a 48 hour stand down before they can take the field.