X-factor meets experience in former All Black's preferred World Cup squad

We are just five months away from the 2023 Rugby World Cup and halfway through Super Rugby Pacific's regular season. The season to date may serve as a small sample size in the context of the year as a whole but plenty of rugby has been played and a number of players have made compelling cases for their role in the All Blacks' World Cup campaign.

Some of those players have been rewarded with an endorsement from former All Blacks halfback Steve Devine, who named his "way too early" preferred All Black squad for the World Cup.

The selections were based on form in 2023, meaning injured players were unlikely to be selected.

Injuries to the likes of Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Angus Ta'avao made the Props selections easy enough said Devine, who selected just five Props, citing Ofa Tu'ungafasi's ability to play both sides of the scrum as sufficient cover. Joining Tu'ungafasi, experienced campaigners Joe Moody and Nepo Laulala as well as 2022's breakout stars Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax.

A familiar trio made up the Hooker selections, with the vast experience of Dane Coles and Codie Taylor complimenting the youthful X-factor of Samisoni Taukei'aho. Devine went on to say leaving Coles' Hurricanes teammate Asafo Aumua on the outside looking in would not be the case if it weren't a World Cup year.

Just three locks were selected, again with experience prioritised as Sam Whitelock, Brodie retallick and Patrick Tuipulotu edge out Chiefs youngsters Tupou Vaa'i and Josh Lord.

Scott Barrett's presence in the loose forward selections makes up for the slim pickings at lock, he's joined by captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea, along with up and comers Dalton Papali'i, Ethan Blackadder and Hoskins Sotutu.

Members of the 2022 All Blacks in Luke Jacobson, Akira Ioane and Shannon Frizzel were all considered while Cullen Grace and Dominic Gardiner were also strong candidates who Devine said just couldn't fit into the 33.

The halfbacks selections will be one of the most hotly contested come World Cup time and Devine again favoured experience, citing Cam Roigard as unlucky when naming his trio of Aaron Smith, Finaly Christie and Brad Weber.

No surprises in the No 10 selections with Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett named.

Midfield selections include past and future League star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, alongside Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienart-Brown.

Damian McKenzie is named in the outside backs while offering cover at 10, and is joined by Chiefs teammate Shaun Stevenson as well as Crusaders pair Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga'anuku along with Mark Telea.

The 31 selections leave two roster spots open, Devine named his top candidates to complete the squad in Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Levi Aumua and Caleb Clarke.

Here's the full selected team:

Props:

Joe Moody

Ethan De Groot

Tyrel Lomax

Nepo Laulala

Ofa Tu’ungafasi

Hookers:

Samisoni Taukei’aho

Dane Coles

Codie Taylor

Locks:

Sam Whitelock

Brodie Retallick

Patrick Tuipulotu

Loose forwards:

Sam Cane

Dalton Papali’i

Ethan Blackadder

Scott Barrett

Hoskins Sotutu

Ardie Savea

Halfbacks:

Aaron Smith

Finlay Christie

Brad Weber

First five-eighths:

Richie Mo’unga

Beauden Barrett

Midfielders:

Jordie Barrett

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

Rieko Ioane

Anton Lienert-Brown

Outside backs:

Mark Telea

Leicester Fainga’anuku

Shaun Stevenson

Will Jordan

Damian McKenzie