The All Blacks 2007 Rugby World Cup squad

Piri Weepu, originally uploaded by Somerslea.

since my tour coincides with the Rugby World Cup and i will surely write stuff about the atmosphere and experience of being in France when a big tournament like that is on, might as well do the whole lot.. anyway this is the squad of players who will surely make a big impression in France in September/October..

Backs: Mils Muliaina, Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter, Nick Evans, Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Andrew Ellis.

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Sione Lauaki, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.

Andy Ellis obviously the biggest surprise since his selection meant Piri Weepu, who has been widely accepted as the ABs first/second best halfback has missed out completely along with notable names like Troy Flavell, Jimmy Cowan, Ma'a Nonu and Rico Gear.. no one would have picked this i'm sure unless they were Graham Henry himself!

i guess it symbolises a shift in philosophy for the ABs who now have seen the value of having a classical halfback ala du Preez, Gregan style with the successful introduction of Brendon Leonard against South Africa and Australia in the last two games.. Weepu is not that sort of halfback and to be honest, has been a bit slow clearing the rucks and runs when he should pass too much.. much as he is a terrific allround footballer - can kick goals too - Weepu is now believed to be not quite the final piece in the puzzle that everyone believes to lead to bringing back Willie to New Zealand shores.. Ellis will prob be 3rd choice at best but at least he is a bit more of the classical halfback who should be quicker getting the ball out of the rucks..

sad for Weepu coz he has done such a great job for the ABs undoubtedly.. and yeah all the best to him.. perhaps league and the Newcastle Knights beckon..

it's still a darn good AB squad.. can it end years of hoodoo without Willie remains to be seen!

one thing's for sure HV can be in ur face!

anyway other WC squads..

South Africa World Cup squad:
Backs: P Montgomery (Sharks), F Steyn (Sharks); B Habana (Bulls), A Ndungane (Bulls), JP Pietersen (Sharks), A Willemse (Lions); J de Villiers (Stormers), J Fourie (Lions), W Olivier (Bulls); B James (Sharks), A Pretorius (Lions); F du Preez (Bulls), R Januarie (Lions), R Pienaar (Sharks).

Forwards: BJ Botha (Sharks), O du Randt (Cheetahs), G Steenkamp (Bulls), CJ van der Linde (Cheetahs); G Botha (Bulls), J Smit (Sharks); B Botha (Bulls), V Matfield (Bulls), J Muller (Sharks), A van den Berg (Sharks); S Burger (Stormers), D Rossouw (Bulls), B Skinstad (Sharks), J Smith (Cheetahs), P Spies (Bulls), W van Heerden (Bulls).