All Blacks name 31-man World Cup squad

The All Blacks have sprung a surprise in their 31-man World Cup squad, with 108-test veteran Owen Franks and star flanker Liam Squire being significant omissions from the side.

In their place, young prop Atu Moli and one-test loose forward Luke Jacobson have earned a spot on the plane to Japan.

Other noticeable absentees include midfielder Ngani Laumape, who hasn't been able to force his way into the All Blacks' four-man midfield set-up, and utility forwards Jackson Hemopo and Vaea Fifita.

However, the decision to exclude Franks from the final squad remains the biggest surprise, given the 31-year-old's vast experience, which includes two World Cup titles from 2011 and 2015.

The decision to instead take Moli represents a shift in attitude from the New Zealand selectors regarding how they want to utilise their props, as the need for more mobile, ball-carrying front rowers intensifies.

Franks' culling from the side spells the end of his 10-year All Blacks career, as he prepares to link up with Premiership outfit Northampton at the end of this year.

"The All Blacks selectors would like to congratulate all those selected for Rugby World Cup 2019.  It's a special moment being named in any All Blacks squad but especially when it's the Rugby World Cup and they and their families can be incredibly proud of what they've achieved.

"As always, we'd also like to take a moment to respect the effort and disappointment of those who've missed out.  I

"t's a tough time in anyone's career.

"The selectors wanted to point out that it wasn't a case of anyone not being good enough to be selected, but more the fact that we can only take 31, so there was always go to be some very talented athletes that would miss out. Having said that, as we know from previous Rugby World Cups and other campaigns, we may have injuries so those players who missed out may get an opportunity," he added.

"Now we are finally in a position to put all our time, effort and thinking into what is going to be an awesome challenge to try and do something that's never been done before - win three Rugby World Cups in a row," he said.

"Yes, it will come with massive expectation and therefore pressure.  We're looking forward to tackling that pressure head on and enjoying everything that comes with it.

"We know it'll be tough and that we'll need to earn the right, every time we play, to continue throughout the Tournament.  However, that's exciting and knowing we've faced that pressure before gives us confidence.

"There are no guarantees in sport. However, with talent, hard work and mental fortitude, we'll give ourselves a chance.

"This Rugby World Cup looks like being the most fiercely-contested yet with a large number of teams all believing they can win.  This will bring possibly more pressure and expectation on them than ever before and it will be interesting to see who can and who can't cope with it."

Hansen further said: "We in the All Blacks have always felt that this is a team that represents not only itself and the individuals in it, but all New Zealanders.  We thank you for your support in advance.  We will do everything in our power to make you proud of us and New Zealand."

Fans will get the chance to see the Rugby World Cup players out and about in smaller towns tomorrow with the All Blacks To The Nation visits.  The squad will assemble in Hamilton on Monday to prepare for the pre-Rugby World Cup Test against Tonga on Saturday 7 September, before departing for Japan on Monday 9 September.

The All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad boasts 1,195 Test caps with huge international experience balanced with a number of newer All Blacks. Read is the most capped player with 121 Test caps, while loose forward Luke Jacobson is the newest All Black with one Test cap. The side has an average age of 27.

It features provincial representation from 12 of New Zealand's Mitre 10 Cup provinces and all New Zealand's five Investec Super Rugby clubs are represented.

The All Blacks will kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against South Africa in Yokahama (Saturday 21 September), then play Canada in Oita (Wednesday 2 October), Namibia in Tokyo (Sunday 6 October), and their final Pool match against Italy in Toyota (Saturday 12 October).

The All Blacks World Cup squad:

Forwards:

Hookers

Dane Coles (32, Hurricanes / Wellington, 64)

Liam Coltman (29, Highlanders / Otago, 5)

Codie Taylor (28, Crusaders / Canterbury, 44)

Props

Nepo Laulala (27, Chiefs / Counties Manukau, 19)

Joe Moody (30, Crusaders /Canterbury, 40)

Atu Moli (24, Chiefs / Tasman, 2)

Angus Ta'avao (29, Chiefs / Taranaki, 7)

Ofa Tuungafasi (27, Blues / Auckland, 29)

Locks

Scott Barrett (25, Crusaders / Taranaki, 30)

Brodie Retallick (28, Chiefs / Hawke's Bay, 77)

Patrick Tuipulotu (26, Blues / Auckland, 24)

Samuel Whitelock (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 111)

Loose forwards

Sam Cane (27, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 63)

Luke Jacobson (22, Chiefs / Waikato, 1)

Kieran Read (33, Crusaders / Counties Manukau, 121) - Captain

Ardie Savea (25, Hurricanes / Wellington, 38)

Matt Todd (31, Crusaders / Canterbury, 20)

Backs:

Halfbacks

TJ Perenara (27, Hurricanes / Wellington, 58)

Aaron Smith (30, Highlanders / Manawatu, 86)

Brad Weber (28, Chiefs / Hawke's Bay, 2)

First five-eighths

Beauden Barrett (28, Blues / Taranaki, 77)

Richie Mo'unga (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 12)

Midfielders

Ryan Crotty (30, Crusaders / Canterbury, 44)

Jack Goodhue (24, Crusaders / Northland, 9)

Anton Lienert-Brown (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 37)

Sonny Bill Williams (33, Blues / Counties Manukau, 53)

Outside backs

Jordie Barrett (22, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 11)

George Bridge (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 4)

Rieko Ioane (22, Blues / Auckland, 26)

Sevu Reece (22, Crusaders / Waikato, 2)

Ben Smith (33, Highlanders /Otago, 79)

- With NZ Rugby

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