Auckland (AFP)
All-Black star Sonny Bill Williams was selected Tuesday in New Zealand's 31-man squad for the World Cup in Japan (20 September-2 November), unlike another veteran of the year. wings, Owens Franks, who will stay at home.
Williams will be 34 years old the oldest member of the New Zealand team.
Like captain Kieran Read (33) and second row Sam Whitelock (30), he will try to win his third world title, an unprecedented feat.
For coach Steve Hansen, too, the challenge will be daunting. To win a third World Cup in a row and the fourth overall for New Zealand will be "an extraordinary challenge, we know it will be difficult and tense ... but we are eager to face this pressure," he said. he explains.
For this, the coach has chosen to summon nine members of the New Zealand team victorious in England in 2015, but also to give a chance to the youth with 19 players who will make their debut in the competition.
Williams, despite a season of injury, was able to convince him in the 36-0 win against the Wallabies in Auckland on August 17th.
On the other hand, 31-year-old Owen Franks did not receive such a reprieve, despite his 108 selections.
Hansen has put his trust in the back Ben Smith, despite his recent lack of form, but could make the choice to be on the wing. He did not select the Ngani Laumape center.
Group of 31:
Forwards (17): Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala, Joe Moody, Atu Moli, Angus Ta'avao, Ofa Tuungafasi, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Kieran Read (captain), Ardie Savea, Matt Todd.
Back (14): TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Brad Weber, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo'unga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Rieko Ioane, Sevu Reece, Ben Smith.
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