Rugby World Cup: All Blacks confirm final 33-man squad for France 2023

Coach Ian Foster has named his 33-man All Blacks squad to contest this year's Rugby World Cup in France. 

After retaining both the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup, Foster has largely kept the faith with the bulk of the All Blacks squad used across the first four tests of the year - a group that has been reduced from 37 players to 33.

Brodie Retallick injured against Australia.
Brodie Retallick injured against Australia. Photo credit: Photosport

In a reassuring selection, Brodie Retallick has been named to play in his third Rugby World Cup, despite suffering a knee injury against the Wallabies in Dunedin.

Retallick's naming sees no room for Josh Lord, with only four specialist locks named. 

David Havili is the big winner, recalled into the midfield stocks after initially missing out on the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup through injury.

The 28-year-old got through his comeback match for Tasman against Otago in the NPC unscathed on Friday night, before injury to Braydon Ennor allowed him to return to the squad.

Ennor's injury has also seen Caleb Clarke keep his spot, with Leicester Fainga'anuku to cover both wing and midfield.

Clarke's retention spells bad news for Shaun Stevenson, who made his test debut on Saturday, scoring in the All Blacks' victory over the Wallabies.

David Havili.
David Havili. Photo credit: Photosport

Fellow debutants Samipeni Finau - who also scored against the Wallabies - and Dallas McLeod have missed the cut as well.

Joe Moody and Ethan Blackadder, who missed the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup through injury have also been overlooked.

Luke Jacobson has been named to play at his first World Cup, after concussion ruled him out of the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Rookies Tamaiti Williams, Emoni Narawa, Cam Roigard - all of whom made their test debuts this year - have been named for their maiden Rugby World Cup campaigns. 

"We congratulate those 33 players selected," said Foster.

"This group has grown in belief and is highly motivated to represent our country with pride in France, as we seek to be the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

"This year's Rugby World Cup promises to be the most competitive yet and the pool draw means we have to ready right from the outset. 

"We have worked hard through the first part of our season and have made some strong progress through the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe series.

"There is more growth to come and more is needed."

The All Blacks will travel to face South Africa in London as their final World Cup warm-up clash, before opening the tournament against hosts France on September 9 (NZ time). 

All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad:

Hookers: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Codie Taylor

Props: Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams 

Locks: Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Whitelock

Loose forwards: Sam Cane, Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali'i, Ardie Savea

Halfbacks: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith

First-fives: Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga

Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown

Outside backs: Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea