All Blacks Rugby World Cup Squad 2023
New Zealand’s All Blacks are widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in international rugby. With a storied past in the Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks enter the 2023 tournament as one of the frontrunners once again.
In this article, we will share their squad details, match schedule, pool preview, and predictions, as well as their past performances and records in the tournament.
All Blacks Rugby World Cup 2023 Squad
Ian Foster, the head coach of New Zealand’s All Blacks rugby team, has chosen 33 players for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
After winning the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup, New Zealand fans have been waiting to hear who will play in the World Cup. The team will play their first game against France on September 8, 2023.
In the team, there are some surprising choices. Nepo Laulala is chosen, but Joe Moody is not. Samipeni Finau and Ethan Blackadder, who usually play in the middle of the field, are also not chosen. The team has many fast players in the back, but Shaun Stevenson is not included.
This is the group of 33 players from New Zealand who will go to France for the World Cup.
Props
- Ethan de Groot (25, Highlanders)
- Nepo Laulala (31, Blues)
- Tyrel Lomax (27, Hurricanes)
- Fletcher Newell (23, Crusaders
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi (31, Blues)
- Tamaiti Williams (22, Crusaders)
Hookers
- Dane Coles (36, Hurricanes)
- Samisoni Taukei’aho (25, Chiefs)
- Codie Taylor ((32, Crusaders)
Locks
- Scott Barrett (29, Crusaders)
- Brodie Retallick (32, Chiefs)
- Tupou Vaa’i (23, Chiefs)
- Sam Whitelock (34, Crusaders)
Back-rows
- Sam Cane (captain, 31, Chiefs)
- Shannon Frizell (29, Highlanders)
- Luke Jacobson (26, Chiefs)
- Dalton Papali’i (25, Blues)
- Ardie Savea (29, Hurricanes)
Scrum-halves
- Finlay Christie (27, Blues)
- Cam Roigard (22, Hurricanes)
- Aaron Smith (34, Highlanders)
Fly-halves
- Beauden Barrett (32, Blues)
- Damian McKenzie (28, Chiefs)
- Richie Mo’unga (29, Crusaders)
Centres
- Jordie Barrett (26, Hurricanes)
- David Havili (28, Crusaders)
- Rieko Ioane (26, Blues)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (28, Chiefs)
Back-three
- Caleb Clarke (24, Blues)
- Leicester Fainga’anuku (23, Crusaders)
- Will Jordan (25, Crusaders)
- Emoni Narawa (24, Chiefs)
- Mark Telea (26, Blues)
Also Check: Argentina Rugby World Cup Squad 2023
New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 Schedule
| Date | Pool | Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, Sept. 8 | A | France v New Zealand | Stade de France, Saint-Denis |
| Friday, Sept. 15 | A | New Zealand v Namibia | Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse |
| Thursday, Oct. 5 | A | New Zealand v Uruguay | OL Stadium, Lyon |
| Friday, Oct. 6 | A | France v Italy | OL Stadium, Lyon |
All Blacks Rugby World Cup Pool Preview & Prediction
New Zealand has been drawn in Rugby World Cup Pool A alongside Italy, France, Uruguay, and Namibia. The All Blacks will likely face their toughest opposition in the pool stage from France, a team known for its unpredictable yet exciting style of rugby.
However, considering their historical dominance and current form, New Zealand is likely to top their pool. Nevertheless, every match promises to deliver thrilling rugby, and the All Blacks will need to stay on top of their game to progress to the knockout stages.
All Blacks RWC Performances by Position:
| Year | Round |
|---|---|
| 1987 | Champions |
| 1991 | Third place |
| 1995 | Runners-up |
| 1999 | Fourth place |
| 2003 | Third place |
| 2007 | Quarter-finals |
| 2011 | Champions |
| 2015 | Champions |
| 2019 | Third place |
| 2023 | – |
New Zealand Rugby World Cup Past Performances & Records
The All Blacks have an illustrious Rugby World Cup history, having won the inaugural tournament in 1987 and followed that up with victories in 2011 and 2015. They hold the record for the most Rugby World Cup match wins and have reached the semi-finals in all but one of the tournaments. Their consistent high-level performances have established them as a powerhouse in world rugby.
Final Words
Entering the Rugby World Cup 2023, the All Blacks are equipped with a potent mix of experience and youth.
Their impressive World Cup history, paired with their current form, sets them up as strong contenders for the title.
However, in a sport as unpredictable as rugby, they will need to maintain their focus and intensity throughout the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses as the Rugby World Cup 2023 approaches.
