Rugby World Cup 2007: New Zealand Squad

Rugby World Cup 2007 is now just a few weeks away. The tournament will be started from 7 September in France. Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2007, New Zealand has declared their 30 men squad. The squad has a good balance of youth and experience. About half of the players played in the last Rugby world cup in 2003. New Zealand will start their world cup campaign with the match against Italy on 8 September.

Coach Graham Henry first declared 29 men squad and recently he added another name to make the squad full. Prop Greg Somerville has become the final member of the squad. Somerville fell in an injury during the Tri Nations tournament last year. Now, he is expected to be fit and play for the All Blacks.

It has been 20 years since; New Zealand is cup less in Rugby World Cup. New Zealand appeared in five tournaments of Rugby world cup. In every world cup they reached at least semi-final. New Zealand won the first Rugby world cup in 1987. Now, let’s see if they can retain their title this time.

I am giving the names of all squad members from Official website of Rugby world cup below:

Forwards (16): Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Sione Lauaki, Richie McCaw (Captain), Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Keith Robertson, Greg Somerville, Rodney So’oialo, Reuben Thorne, Neemia Tialata, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.

Backs (14): Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Nick Evans, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAllister, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Malili Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava.