Richie McCaw, Steven Hansen and Kieran Read at the official All Blacks team photo session.
Richie McCaw, Steven Hansen and Kieran Read at the official All Blacks team photo session.
For the first time in eight years the All Blacks leave New Zealand shores today to attempt to win a Rugby World Cup.
The two-time champions who won the 2011 title on home soil depart for London tonight.
The 31-man squad have had training sessions in Wellington and Auckland overthe past week in final preparations for the tournament. They depart from Auckland Airport at 7.05pm.
The All Blacks have never won a World Cup on foreign soil and have only reached as far as the semifinals in a World Cup hosted in Europe. They are aiming to become the first nation to win back-to-back World Cup titles.
The All Blacks open their campaign against Argentina in London on September 21.
When naming his 31-man squad, coach Steven Hansen had a message for All Blacks fans.
"To the fans I would like to say: our attitude going into this Rugby World Cup is not a case of expecting it, but one of making it happen. The Cup isn't ours. We are not defenders; like everyone else, we are contenders. We have to earn the right to win it through world-class performances.
"In doing so, we have to do something that no-one has ever done before. But that is a hugely exciting challenge and one I believe the team will rise to. With this in mind, we believe we have selected players with the right mix of experience, x-factor, determination and mental strength. This is an exciting and talented group of players who are looking to do something that hasn't been done before, and make New Zealanders proud."
Skipper Richie McCaw could break multiple records at the tournament, he needs to play six matches at his fourth World Cup t to equalling the record for most tests the tournament. He's also two victories away from equalling the most wins record.
The TAB lists the All Blacks as $2.35 favourites to reclaim the title.
14 members of the All Blacks squad were part of the 2011 squad. McCaw, Dan Carter and Keven Mealamu are all playing in their fourth World Cups having all debuted at the 2003 tournament.
