The All Blacks side has been named to play Australia in their Rugby World Cup 2015 Final at Twickenham, London, on Saturday 31st October (Kick-off: 4.00PM) has been named.

The team is (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Joe Moody (10)
2. Dane Coles (35)
3. Owen Franks (77)
4. Brodie Retallick (46)
5. Samuel Whitelock (72)
6. Jerome Kaino (66)
7. Richie McCaw (147) - captain
8. Kieran Read (83)
9. Aaron Smith (46)
10. Daniel Carter (111)
11. Julian Savea (40)
12. Ma'a Nonu (102)
13. Conrad Smith (93)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (7)
15. Ben Smith (47)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (131)
17. Ben Franks (46)
18. Charlie Faumuina (32)
19. Victor Vito (32)
20. Sam Cane (30)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (19)
22. Beauden Barrett (35)
23. Sonny Bill Williams (32)

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "We've really enjoyed the interaction with the people of England and Wales throughout the Rugby World Cup, as well as with our own Kiwi fans who've travelled and those who have stayed at home.  We've been really well looked after by our various hosts around the UK and I know as a group we have enjoyed the Tournament, both on-field and off-field because of this.

"We came here as contenders for the Cup, just like everyone else.  In our minds, we have never been defenders.   We knew we would have to earn the right to progress through the Tournament so being in the Final is very satisfying in its own right, as it's the first Rugby World Cup Final an All Blacks team has made in the UK.  But the ultimate goal has always been to win it, so we are exactly where we need to be to try and achieve that.

"Both teams have arrived at the Final by different pathways.  We've had the luxury of building game by game throughout the whole Tournament, whilst Australia have had to be at their very best right from day one.  Mental fortitude and physical endurance, together with skill execution and sheer desire, will be the key ingredients come Saturday.

"We've had a great preparation so far this week at Pennyhill; the boys are feeling really fresh and energised. We're building towards Saturday's match with a growing sense of determination and real excitement and I couldn't be happier with where we are at.

"We know that all our fans here and at home are as excited as we are. Once again, we'd like to thank them for all their good wishes and support, and we'll be looking to put in a performance all of us can be proud of."

Key points of interest

* The All Blacks matchday 23 for the Test against Australia has an average age of 28 and has 1,339 Test caps of experience.

* This is the first time the All Blacks and Australia have met in a RWC Final. The sides have met three times in semifinals: in 1991, 2003 and at the last RWC in 2011. This weekend, Australia and New Zealand will be playing their 155th Test match. The All Blacks record stands at 105 wins, 42 losses and seven draws.

* Daniel Carter last weekend became the first visiting player to score 100 points at Twickenham.  Carter has also kicked 21 conversions in this tournament. Only former All Black Grant Fox (30) and former Springbok Percy Montgomery (22) have kicked more in an RWC tournament.

* Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Kaino and Sam Whitelock have played in 13 consecutive Rugby World Cup wins, a RWC record.
 

The All Blacks side has been named to play South Africa in their Rugby World Cup 2015 semifinal at Twickenham, London, onSaturday 24 October (Kick-off: 4.00PM).

The team is (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Joe Moody (9)
2. Dane Coles (34)
3. Owen Franks (76)
4. Brodie Retallick (45)
5. Samuel Whitelock (71)
6. Jerome Kaino (65)
7. Richie McCaw (146) - captain
8. Kieran Read (82)
9. Aaron Smith (45)
10. Daniel Carter (110)
11. Julian Savea (39)
12. Ma'a Nonu (101)
13. Conrad Smith (92)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (6)
15. Ben Smith (46)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (130)
17. Ben Franks (45)
18. Charlie Faumuina (31)
19. Victor Vito (32)
20. Sam Cane (29)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (19)
22. Beauden Barrett (34)
23. Sonny Bill Williams (31)

The team features just one change from last Saturday's quarter-final: Joe Moody replaces the injured Wyatt Crockett (groin) in the starting line-up, and fellow prop Ben Franks moves onto the bench.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said:  "We've had a great preparation so far this week.  We've put a full stop on last weekend's performance and have been slowly building throughout the week to produce another game we can all be proud of.

"Though we've met many times over the years, we've only played three times at the Rugby World Cup and these Cup finals matches are totally different.  They have a live or die nature to them and both teams will be desperate to advance.

"As a group we're really looking forward to this challenge.  It will require a massive amount of intensity and composure and accurate skill execution.  This team has high expectations of itself and enjoys the big occasions.

"We're all very much looking forward to Saturday.  It's the fun part of the week where we get to express our skills, physicality and mental strength; all things we've been working really hard on this week."

Steve Hansen has also acknowledged the fantastic amount of support the All Blacks have received throughout the Rugby World Cup.

"On behalf of the team, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank all our families, fans and supporters, both here in the UK, at home and around the world.  Their support has not gone unnoticed by the team.  We're very grateful to be able to represent them and our country and we'll be endeavouring to once again make them all proud."

Key points of interest

* The All Blacks matchday 23 for the Test against South Africa has an average age of 28 and has 1,318 Test caps of experience.

* The All Blacks and South Africa have met three times at Rugby World Cups: in the 1995 Final, the bronze match in 1999 and the quarterfinal in Australia in 2003.

* This weekend the two great rivals will be playing their 91st Test match:  the All Blacks record stands at 52 wins, 35 losses and three draws.

* Wing Julian Savea has scored eight tries at this year's Tournament, a single Tournament record equal with All Blacks great Jonah Lomu and South Africa's Bryan Habana.

* Eight of the All Blacks will extend their records as the most capped All Blacks in their position this weekend:  Richie McCaw (openside flanker), Keven Mealamu (hooker), Owen Franks (tighthead prop), Kieran Read (number eight), Jerome Kaino (blindside flanker), Daniel Carter (first five-eighth), Ma'a Nonu (second five-eighth) and Conrad Smith (centre).

The All Blacks side to play France in their Rugby World Cup 2015 quarterfinal at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Saturday 17 October (Kick-off: 8.00PM) has been named.

The team is (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Wyatt Crockett (44)
2. Dane Coles (33)
3. Owen Franks (75)
4. Brodie Retallick (44)
5. Samuel Whitelock (70)
6. Jerome Kaino (64)
7. Richie McCaw (145) - captain
8. Kieran Read (81)
9. Aaron Smith (44)
10. Daniel Carter (109)
11. Julian Savea (38)
12. Ma'a Nonu (100)
13. Conrad Smith (91)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (5)
15. Ben Smith (45)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (129)
17. Joe Moody (8)
18. Charlie Faumuina (30)
19. Victor Vito (31)
20. Sam Cane (28)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (18)
22. Beauden Barrett (33)
23. Sonny Bill Williams (30)

The team features the call-up of specialist loosehead prop Joe Moody, who has had a whirlwind few days; named on the bench for a Rugby World Cup quarterfinal just four days after arriving in the UK as a replacement for the injured Tony Woodcock.  Moody will play his ninth Test off the bench, after playing eight Tests in the black jersey in 2014.

With Moody on the bench, Wyatt Crockett takes over the starting loosehead duties from Woodcock. Meanwhile, All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw returns to the starting XV along with lock Brodie Retallick and wing Julian Savea.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "We're exactly where we want to be - playing a quarterfinal at Millennium Stadium. It's finals footy and we're hugely excited by that. We're a team that enjoys a challenge, we've had a great week's preparation and it's now about putting it out on the park.

"This team has always been about making its own history.  We've known for a long time that this match-up may be a possibility and we're really looking forward to it.  There are not many better places to play than a packed Millennium Stadium."

Hansen added: "All Blacks - French Tests are always intense affairs and we expect this weekend to be no different.  The French will be very physical and both teams have plenty to play for. We're at the time in the Tournament where the big boys have to step up to the plate and the team that does this the best will move through to the next round.  It's as simple as that. We can't wait."

The All Blacks matchday 23 for the Test against France has an average age of 28 and has 1,295 Test caps of experience.

The All Blacks side to play Tonga in their final Pool match of Rugby World Cup 2015 at St James' Park, Newcastle, on Friday 9 October (Kick-off: 8.00PM) has been named, with midfielder Ma'a Nonu to play his 100th Test match.

The team is: (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Tony Woodcock (117)
2. Dane Coles (32)
3. Owen Franks (74)
4. Luke Romano (21)
5. Samuel Whitelock (69)
6. Jerome Kaino (63)
7. Sam Cane (27)
8. Kieran Read (80) - captain
9. Aaron Smith (43)
10. Daniel Carter (108)
11. Waisake Naholo (2)
12. Ma'a Nonu (99)
13. Conrad Smith (90)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (4)
15. Ben Smith (44)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (128)
17. Wyatt Crockett (43)
18. Ben Franks (44)
19. Brodie Retallick (43)
20. Liam Messam (42)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (17)
22. Beauden Barrett (32)
23. Sonny Bill Williams (29)

Nonu, who made his All Blacks Test debut in 2003, has had 83 Test starts in his stellar career, scored 29 tries and is the most capped All Blacks second five-eighth. He will become the All Blacks sixth Test centurion on Friday and will line up alongside three of those centurions: hooker Keven Mealamu, prop Tony Woodcock and first five-eighth Daniel Carter.

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: "On behalf of the All Blacks, we would like to congratulate Ma'a on this special milestone.  He has been an incredibly valued member of our group for a very long time.  He has been fully committed to enhancing the All Blacks jersey and the values that go with it.  He plays a special part within the group and loves this team. He and his family will be very proud of everything he's achieved, as we all are of him.  We look forward to celebrating his achievement on Friday night."

Skipper Richie McCaw (sore hip) and prop Charlie Faumuina (tight hamstring) weren't considered for selection. In McCaw's absence, the side will be captained by number eight Kieran Read.  Loose forward Liam Messam will also make his first appearance at the Rugby World Cup off the bench.

Hansen said the squad has prepared well for the Tonga Test.

"We've had a very heavy workload in the last two weeks on the training pitch and a couple of very physical games, which has been great.  But this week we've been looking to freshen the group up and really concentrate on the key parts of our game that we expect will deliver a quality, 80-minute performance on Friday night.  We're now getting to an exciting part of the competition -one game out from knockout footy. 

"We know the Tongans will be very physical and bring everything to this final Pool match.  They're a proud nation who we've faced on a number of occasions.  One only has to remember their last Pool match against France in 2011 to know that if you don't turn up, they will make life difficult for you."

Hansen said the squad has enjoyed their time in the north-east English town of Darlington and was looking forward to the Newcastle Test.

"Playing at St James' Park, the home of Newcastle United, will be a special occasion as there is a lot of history surrounding the park and the club.  They've had some great players and coaches over the years - Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley and Kevin Keegan, to name a few - and we look forward to bringing our game to their special home.

"I'd also like to also acknowledge the folks at the Darlington Mowden Park RFC who provided outstanding training facilities for us this week. Mowden Park is one of the best we've had the privilege of using anywhere in the world.

"Finally, I'd also like to give a shout out to the people of Darlington who've been very welcoming.  I know the boys have enjoyed their stay in this area and it's been great meeting up with our fans here in the north east. We look forward to repaying their hospitality at our public event at Mowden Park on Thursday morning."

Key points of interest

* The All Blacks have played Tonga four times, three times at Rugby World Cup: in 1999, 2003 and most recently, in the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2011.

* As well as Nonu's 100th Test match, several other All Blacks will reach milestones this Friday:  Owen Franks will play his 75th Test and Samuel Whitelock will play his 70th.  Conrad Smith played his 90th Test last week, while Kieran Read played his 80th Test.  Read will become the 10th equal most capped All Black of all time this this week (alongside Justin Marshall).

* The All Blacks matchday 23 for the Georgia Test has an average age of 28 and has 1,251 Test caps of experience

The All Blacks side has been named to play Georgia in their third pool match of Rugby World Cup 2015 at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, on Friday 2 October (Kick-off: 8.00PM).

The team is: (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Wyatt Crockett (42)
2. Dane Coles (31)
3. Charlie Faumuina (29)
4. Brodie Retallick (42)
5. Samuel Whitelock (68)
6. Jerome Kaino (62)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (144)
8. Kieran Read (79)
9. Aaron Smith (42)
10. Daniel Carter (107)
11. Julian Savea (37)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (28)
13. Conrad Smith (89)
14. Waisake Naholo (1)
15. Ben Smith (43)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (127)
17. Tony Woodcock (116)
18. Owen Franks (73)
19. Victor Vito (30)
20. Sam Cane (26)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (16)
22. TJ Perenara (16)
23. Malakai Fekitoa (12)

The team features the eagerly-awaited Rugby World Cup debut of winger Waisake Naholo, who made his All Blacks Test debut against Argentina in The Rugby Championship in July this year. 

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said:  "We've selected what we think is the best 23 for this Test match and reflects where we currently are with our progress in the Rugby World Cup.

"We're looking forward to seeing Waisake back on the track, he's been jumping out of his skin at training and I'm sure he can't wait for game day."

Four players weren't considered for selection for the Georgia Test due to injury:  Ma'a Nonu (shoulder), Colin Slade (hamstring), Liam Messam (calf) and Beauden Barrett (whiplash).

Hansen said with only one fit first five-eighth available, TJ Perenara would cover that role off the bench, if needed.

"While it's disappointing to have Beauden, Colin, Ma'a and Liam unavailable for selection, their injuries are minor and they're all expected to be available for selection next week.

"This game gives us an opportunity to build on our previous performances against an opposition who have proven to be very physical in their two matches.  Although we don't know a lot about them, we know enough.  They're big, strong athletes and should contribute to what will be a great occasion at Millennium Stadium.  I know everyone in our group is looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Steve Hansen has also paid tribute to All Blacks Assistant Manager Gilbert Enoka, who will be involved in his 200th All Blacks Test match this weekend. Hansen said Enoka, who first started working with the All Blacks in 2000, was a very important cog in the wheel of the All Blacks machine.

"His contribution is highly valued by all players and management and to be associated with a team for 200 Test matches is a huge achievement, one I'm sure he and his family are very proud of, as we are of him."

Key points of interest

* This will be the first Test match between the All Blacks and Georgia.  Georgia is competing in its fourth Rugby World Cup.

* The All Blacks matchday 23 for the Georgia Test has an average age of 28 and has 1,260 Test caps of experience

* Centre Conrad Smith will play his 90th Test match this weekend.  He has started in 85 Test matches.  Lock Samuel Whitelock, who will play his 69th Test on Friday, is now the third most capped All Blacks lock of all time, behind Ian Jones (79) and Ali Williams (77).

The All Blacks side has been named to play Namibia in their second pool match of Rugby World Cup 2015 at The Stadium, London, on Thursday 24 September (Kick-off: 8.00PM), with openside flanker Sam Cane to captain a new-look All Blacks team for the first time.

The team is: (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Ben Franks (43)
2. Codie Taylor (3)
3. Charlie Faumuina (28)
4. Luke Romano (20)
5. Samuel Whitelock (67)
6. Liam Messam (42)
7. Sam Cane - captain (25)
8. Victor Vito (29)
9. T J Perenara (15)
10. Beauden Barrett (31)
11. Julian Savea (37)
12. Sonny Bill Williams (27)
13. Malakai Fekitoa (11)
14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (3)
15. Colin Slade (20)

Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (127)
17. Wyatt Crockett (41)
18. Tony Woodcock (116)
19. Kieran Read (78)
20. Richie McCaw (143)
21. Tawera Kerr-Barlow (15)
22. Ma'a Nonu (98)
23. Ben Smith (42)

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said:  "It's a very special moment for 23-year-old Sam Cane who will captain the All Blacks for the first time.  He's in our leadership group, is hugely respected by everyone, is a fierce and fearless player and is someone who has the potential of being a long-term captain of the All Blacks in the future."

Hansen said it was also a fantastic opportunity for those players not selected for the opening Test to get game time.

"At the completion of this match, 30 of the 31 players in our squad will have experienced time in the middle of the park which will give us a good foundation base going forward and which was always part of our planning pre-Tournament.  It's now their time to step up.

"Five of our team will also be playing their first Rugby World Cup match so it'll be a significant moment for them and their families as well."

Hansen added: "The Namibian players will be excited by it too and it will be a great occasion at The Stadium on Thursday."

Key points of interest

* Sam Cane will be the 67th player to captain the All Blacks in a Test and at 23 years eight months old will be the fifth youngest All Blacks captain ever.  Richie McCaw was the previous fifth youngest Captain, aged 23 years 10 months when he captained the team for the first time in November 2004.  The youngest All Blacks Test captain was Canterbury first five-eighth Herbie Lilburne who was 21 years three months old when he captained the All Blacks in 1929.

* The All Blacks starting XV for the Namibia Test has an average age of 26 and there are 1,061 Test caps in the matchday 23.

* The five All Blacks marking their first RWC appearance are Codie Taylor, Luke Romano, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Malakai Fekitoa.

* The All Blacks have kicked 200 conversions and 102 penalties at Rugby World Cups.  The All Blacks also hold the records for most points at a RWC (361 in 2003) and tries at a RWC (52 in 2003). 

All Blacks team named for Rugby World Cup 2015 opening Test against Argentina

Eleven players to make their first RWC appearance

The All Blacks side has been named to play Argentina in their opening match of Rugby World Cup 2015 at Wembley Stadium, London, on Sunday 20 September (Kick-off: 4.45PM).

The team is: (with Test caps in brackets):

Starting XV

1. Tony Woodcock (115)

2. Dane Coles (30)

3. Owen Franks (72)

4. Brodie Retallick (41)

5. Samuel Whitelock (66)

6. Jerome Kaino (60)

7. Richie McCaw - captain (142)

8. Kieran Read (77)

9. Aaron Smith (41)

10. Daniel Carter (106)

11. Julian Savea (35)

12. Ma'a Nonu (97)

13. Conrad Smith (88)

14. Nehe Milner-Skudder (2)

15. Ben Smith (41)


Reserves

16. Keven Mealamu (126)

17. Wyatt Crockett (40)

18. Charlie Faumuina (27)

19. Victor Vito (28)

20. Sam Cane (24)

21. TJ Perenara (15)

22. Beauden Barrett (30)

23. Sonny Bill Williams (26)

All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said it was exciting to be naming the team for the first match of the tournament.

"We're all itching to get started and with 11 of the 23 players about to take part in their first Rugby World Cup match, there's real excitement, enthusiasm and hunger in the group. We all can't wait for our Tournament to start."

The 11 All Blacks marking their first RWC appearance are Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett.

Hansen said the squad has had a great build up since arriving in the United Kingdom.

"We've had a wonderful reception here in London.  The boys have really enjoyed connecting with our fans and this wonderful city. But the business is about to start and we're all looking forward to that because, after all, that's why we're here.

"We've selected what we believe is a very strong team.  We have the utmost respect for Argentina who we know a lot more about now because of their involvement in The Rugby Championship.  But it also means they know a lot more about us."

Hansen added: "We will need to be at our very best to get our Tournament away to a good start. We've had a great preparation and there will be no excuses for not performing on Sunday."

Key points of interest

* The All Blacks and Argentina have played against each other 21 times with 20 wins to the All Blacks and a single draw.  That playing history includes two Tests at Rugby World Cups: in pool play in 1987 and in the quarterfinal at RWC 2011.

* Conversely, Richie McCaw, who will again captain the side, will be playing in his 17th Rugby World Cup match, an All Blacks record. Former England prop Jason Leonard currently holds the overall record with 22 RWC appearances.

* Daniel Carter will start his 89th Test at first five-eighth, a new world record.  The rest of his starts were in the 12 jersey earlier in his career.  Carter is currently the world record points scorer, sitting on 1,516 points.

* Tony Woodcock will equal former Jason Leonard's world record of 104 Test starts at prop.

* This weekend seven of the most capped All Blacks by position are in the matchday 23: Woodcock (prop), McCaw (flanker), Keven Mealamu (hooker), Kieran Read (number 8), Carter (first five-eighth), Ma'a Nonu (second five-eighth) and Conrad Smith (centre).

* The team has an average age of 28 and features 1,013 Test caps in the starting XV and a further 316 caps on the bench.

* The All Blacks have kicked 198 conversions and 98 penalties at Rugby World Cups.  The All Blacks also hold the records for most points at a RWC (361 in 2003) and tries at a RWC (52 in 2003).

* Since Rugby World Cup 2011, the All Blacks have played 47 Tests in the last four years with 42 wins (89 percent), just three losses and two draws.