For all the hype surrounding the All Blacks, the fact remains that New Zealand have only won the World Cup once, and that was in the inaugural year of the competition jointly-hosted by Australia and the Kiwis.

Critics have accused them of peaking too early but the fact that coach Graham Henry waited less than 24 hours after this summer's Tr-Nations win to name his squad suggests he's confident in his preparation which included giving 22 of his hopefuls a specialised training regime rather than the early-season match practice in the Super 14.

An entire team of stars sat out the first seven rounds of the southern hemisphere tournament, with the All Blacks management putting them through their paces in the gymnasium and on the track.. The rugby-mad nation has fiercely debated the pros and cons of Henry’s reconditioning programme since its inception in late 2006.It will be left to the talented pool of players at his disposal to determine whether the idea was sheer genius, or sheer folly.

The All Blacks fear no-one, certainly not their pool opponents, and with 14 of the squad veterans of the 2003 tournament there is a wealth of experience among their ranks. A pool win could see them take on Ireland, France or Argentina, none of whom are a pushover, but to win you have to beat the best - unless you are the best.

• Dan Carter
  When the Lions arrived in New Zealand in 2005, Fleet Street's finest urged their boys to 'Get Carter'. The All Black number 10 responded with an outstanding series, scoring a staggering 33 points in the second Test to scotch any doubts as to his status as the best outhalf in world rugby. Carter has it all. Footwork, strength in contact, the ability to offload, pace and the vision and expression to play at an intensity not seen before. His goal-kicking is supreme while his marshalling of a ridiculously talented back-line is unrivalled. To beat New Zealand, you need to negate Carter - but how?
• Richie McCaw
  McCaw is just as important to the All Blacks as the mercurial Carter and is an inspirational leader around the park. Still only 26, the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury openside flanker is one of Kiwi rugby’s most decorated players and most recognisable faces. His technique at the breakdown may be debatable - Springbok captain Johann Muller was the latest to imply referees are afraid to penalise him and even All Blacks team-mates have lost patience with their skipper when on provincial or Super 14 action - but McCaw’s expertise of the dark arts of the openside role will be a massive advantage to the tournament favourites.
• Carl Haymans
  Hayman would pummel his way into any side in the world and along with frontrow colleagues Tony Woodcock and hooker Keven Mealamu he gives the Kiwis a rock solid foundation to their scrum. The 27-year-old, who will leave New Zealand for Newcastle after the tournament, may be an unsung hero in a side containing so much flair and talent but without his graft up front the All Blacks would struggle to release their strike runners. New Zealand will expect Hayman to be on form when it comes to one of rugby’s most fundamental jobs - anchoring the scrum - as they look to justify their favourite’s tag.

• Forwards
  Jerry Collins, Carl Hayman, Andrew Hore, Chris Jack, Sione Lauaki, Richie McCaw (Captain), Chris Masoe, Keven Mealamu, Anton Oliver, Keith Robertson, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Reuben Thorne, Neemia Tialata, Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock.
• Backs
  Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Nick Evans, Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAllister, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Malili Muliaina, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava.