2019 Rugby World Cup: Sonny Bill Williams set to chase third crown after being named in All Blacks squad
Sonny Bill Williams will be among a trio New Zealanders seeking an unprecedented three Rugby World Cup crowns, but the defending champions found no room in their squad for a veteran key contributor.
World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Captain’s call: Consistency key to Cup success
- Why Wallabies giant spurned World Cup
- Rugby Australia to review Giteau Law
Veteran code hopper Sonny Bill Williams has been included in New Zealand’s 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Already a two-time World Cup winner, the 34-year-old Williams joins All Blacks captain Kieran Read and lock Sam Whitelock in chasing an unprecedented third title.
Tight-head prop Owen Franks, who started in the previous two World Cup finals won by New Zealand, was the biggest omission from Steve Hansen’s squad after being dropped following the first Bledisloe Cup loss to Australia in Perth.
Stream the Rugby World Cup 2019 on KAYO SPORTS. Every match Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >
In addition to Williams, Read and Whitelock, there are nine other survivors from the All Blacks squad that beat Australia in the 2015 final, as well as 19 World Cup first-timers, in a squad made up of 17 forwards and 14 backs.
Star lock Brodie Retallick was included despite recovering from a shoulder injury but is not expected to play in New Zealand’s pool matches against South Africa, Canada, Namibia and Italy.
"Now we are finally in a position to put all our time, effort and thinking into what is going to be an awesome challenge to try and do something that's never been done before — win three Rugby World Cups in a row," Hansen said.
"Yes, it will come with massive expectation and therefore pressure. We're looking forward to tackling that pressure head on and enjoying everything that comes with it.
“We know it'll be tough and that we'll need to earn the right, every time we play, to continue throughout the tournament. However, that's exciting and knowing we've faced that pressure before gives us confidence. There are no guarantees in sport. However, with talent, hard work and mental fortitude, we'll give ourselves a chance.”
New Zealand squad: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, George Bridge, Sam Cane, Dane Coles, Liam Coltman, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Luke Jacobson, Nepo Laulala, Anton Lienert-Brown, Atu Moli, Joe Moody, Richie Mo'unga, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (captain), Sevu Reece, Brodie Retallick, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith, Angus Ta’avao, Codie Taylor, Matt Todd, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Brad Weber, Sam Whitelock.