Winners and losers
reflection of him needing to rest after the Crusaders’ long season.
With Mo’unga not in that tour party, Beauden Barrett will probably start that test and Ioane will be on the bench. Brad Weber
This is a feel-good story. Weber is the Comeback King.
Chiefs halfback Weber has played just one test, against Samoa four years ago. Then he was ignored. Last year he wasn’t even in the top five halfbacks in New Zealand. He deserves to make the squad, given his dynamic form in Super Rugby.
Weber was told to improve areas of his game, and has done himself proud. A worthy selection.
Atu Moli
Chiefs loosehead prop Moli has not Braydon Ennor has played wing and centre for the Crusaders this season. played a test. His sole appearance for the All Blacks was against a French XV in Lyon in late 2017.
Selected as an ‘‘apprentice’’ for that northern tour. A terrible leg injury threatened to derail his career, and he displayed tenacity and courage to make his comeback.
Asafo Aumua
The uncapped Hurricanes hooker was an ‘‘apprentice’’ on an All Blacks tour a few years ago.
Then returned from his summer break in shoddy condition. But this year he has been good for the Canes, as Dane Coles’ deputy.
LOSERS
Luke Whitelock
Highlanders co-captain and No 8 Whitelock isn’t included in the eightstrong group of loosies.
A big blow to his World Cup hopes, before he leaves for France.
Waisake Naholo
Another who had injury problems at the Highlanders.
The right wing was unable to do enough to prove to the All Blacks selectors that he deserved to be included.
Ma’a Nonu
It’s tough on Nonu. At 37, the 103-test All Black is far from a spent force.
Midfielder Nonu was one of the Blues’ best backs but his chances of playing in his fourth World Cup now appear to be remote.
David Havili
No room for Havili. He will be disappointed. Havili has been sharp for the Crusaders this season at fullback.
Can also play in the midfield and, at a pinch, on the wing. Yet no room could be found for him in the ABs squad. Tyrel Lomax
Highlanders tighthead prop Lomax made his All Blacks debut against Japan last year. But he cannot squeeze into the front row club for this squad. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
The Chiefs halfback returned from the off-season in poor shape and Weber was preferred as the starter in Super Rugby for much of the season.
Tahuriorangi will now have to hope he can get back into some decent form during the Mitre 10 Cup. His only hope, though, of making the World Cup will be if another No 9 gets hurt.
Nathan Harris
The Chiefs hooker has been overtaken. Last year he was ranked No 3 in New Zealand. He has now slipped to fifth with Asafo Aumua and Liam Coltman jumping up the order.
Codie Taylor and Coles remain the best rakes in the land.
Akira Ioane
The No 8 didn’t do enough for the Blues to warrant selection. A fair call. UNAVAILABLE
Liam Squire
Big blindside flanker Squire rang All Blacks coach Hansen and told him he wasn’t ready for test footy.
Squire has had a terrible season due to injuries. Hip and knee problems meant he only returned late in the season for the Highlanders. Squire’s absence robs the All Blacks of an imposing No 6, who can use his athleticism to carry the ball over the gain line.
NOT NAMED BECAUSE OF INJURY
Damian McKenzie, Scott Barrett, Ryan Crotty, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Tim Perry, Tom Robinson.