The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has named a 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The squad features a mix of experience and youth, with 17 players who have played in previous World Cups, including captain Sam Cane and vice-captain Beauden Barrett.
The most notable omission from the squad is lock Brodie Retallick, who is recovering from a serious knee injury. Retallick is a three-time World Cup winner and one of the best locks in the world, and his absence will be a big blow to the All Blacks.
Other notable omissions include prop Karl Tu’inukuafe, who has been a regular in the All Blacks side in recent years, and fullback Jordie Barrett, who is the younger brother of Beauden.
The squad is captained by Sam Cane, who is in his seventh season as an All Black. Cane is a hard-nosed flanker who is known for his leadership and work ethic. He will be looking to lead the All Blacks to their fourth World Cup title in France.
RELATED: New Zealand RWC matches 2023: TV channel, ways to watch
The other notable players in the squad include Beauden Barrett, who is one of the best fly-halves in the world; Richie Mo’unga, who is Barrett’s backup; and Ardie Savea, who is one of the best loose forwards in the world.
The Springboks are the defending champions and will be one of the favorites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, they will face stiff competition from teams like South Africa, England, and Ireland.
The All Blacks will begin their Rugby World Cup campaign against Italy on September 9, 2023. They will then face Uruguay, Scotland, and Argentina in the group stage.
RELATED: Romania name 33-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2023
RELATED: France name 33-man for 2023 Rugby World Cup squad
RELATED: Uruguay name 33-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2023
RELATED: Italy name 33-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2023
The All Blacks are hoping to become the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times. They will have a tough challenge ahead of them, but they have the talent and experience to do it.
New Zealand
Head coach: Ian Foster
Captain: Sam Cane
Forwards: Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’I, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papli’I, Ardie Savea.
Backs: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea.
Here is a closer look at some of the key players in the All Blacks squad:
And here’s the big one…
The Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year for 2020 is @SamCane7.
Congrats Skip.#ASBRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/JHslAi4Wfi
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 17, 2020
Sam Cane (captain): Cane is a hard-nosed flanker who is known for his leadership and work ethic. He will be looking to lead the All Blacks to their fourth World Cup title in France.
Beauden Barrett: Barrett is one of the best fly-halves in the world. He is a gifted playmaker with a huge boot. He will be looking to lead the All Blacks’ attack in France.
Richie Mo’unga: Mo’unga is Barrett’s backup at fly-half. He is also a very talented player who can create and score tries.
Ardie Savea: Savea is one of the best loose forwards in the world. He is a powerful runner and a destructive defender. He will be looking to cause havoc in the opposition’s midfield in France.
The All Blacks are a very talented team and they will be one of the favorites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup. However, they will face stiff competition from teams like South Africa, England, and Ireland. The All Blacks will need to be at their best if they want to win their fourth title.
See more: Meet the Players Who Will Be Competing for Rugby World Cup Glory in France
