All Blacks leave out top trio

New Zealand’s selectors have left Jonah Lomu and two other leading players - Christian Cullen and Andrew Mehrtens – out of their World Cup squad announced today.

The decision creates the possibility that Christian Cullen could join the Munster squad earlier than expected.

The 30-man squad:

Reuben Thorne (captain), Ben Blair, Daniel Braid, Daniel Carter, Jerry Collins, Steve Devine, Corey Flynn, Mark Hammett, Dave Hewett, Carl Hoeft, Marty Holah, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Leon MacDonald, Aaron Mauger, Richard McCaw, Keven Mealamu, Malili Muliaina, Justin Marshall, Kees Meeuws, Ma’a Nonu, Caleb Ralph, Joe Rokocoko, Rodney So’oialo, Greg Somerville, Carlos Spencer, Brad Thorn, Tana Umaga, Ali Williams.