NZ fallout begins as Mitchell closes World Cup door on Cullen

ALL BLACK coach John Mitchell last night appeared to close the door on Christian Cullen's World Cup hopes - less than 24 hours after the winger inked a deal with Munster for next season.

Mitchell names his Tri-Nations squad at the weekend, with Canterbury's Ben Blair expected to head off Cullen for a specialist full-back spot and the coach explained: "You can only select so many All Blacks. He's been a very fine All Black and has served the All Blacks well.

"It's just unfortunate that the All Black selectors have chosen that other players are better than him in the current game. He's made a choice and I wish him well."