New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2019 fixtures: squad, match dates and latest team news
When does the 2019 Rugby World Cup start?
The opening match of the 2019 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, September 20, as nations from all across the globe compete for the Webb Ellis Cup. The All Blacks are the reigning champions.
Who is in New Zealand's World Cup squad?
What date is New Zealand's opening match?
It is against South Africa on Saturday, September 21, at 10.45am BST.
Who is in New Zealand's group?
What are New Zealand's full RWC fixtures?
MATCH ONE
New Zealand vs South Africa... International Stadium Yokohama... Saturday, September 21... 10.45am BST... (ITV)
MATCH TWO
New Zealand vs Canada... Oita Stadium... Wednesday, October 2... 11.15am BST... (ITV 4)
MATCH THREE
New Zealand vs Namibia... Tokyo Stadium... Sunday, October 6... 5.45am BST... (ITV)
MATCH FOUR
New Zealand vs Italy... City of Toyota Stadium... Saturday, October 12... 5.45am BST... (ITV)
When are the knockout rounds?
The quarter-finals are on October 19-20.
The semi-finals are on October 26-27.
The Bronze Final is on November 1.
The Final is on November 2.
What is the latest New Zealand team news?
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen dropped a World Cup bombshell by leaving Owen Franks out of his squad and selecting more mobile props as he signalled an intent to play an up-tempo game in Japan.
Franks has been a cornerstone of the All Blacks scrum since he made his debut as a raw 21 year-old and was a key member of the squads that won the last two World Cups.
Lock Brodie Retallick is included in the 31-man squad despite suffering a dislocated shoulder against South Africa last month, as is centre Ryan Crotty, who has been out of action for two months with a broken thumb.
Hansen told reporters in Auckland that he did not expect Retallick to play in the pool phase. Patrick Tuipulotu is named as the fourth lock with Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett.
Rookie loose forward Luke Jacobson is also included after Liam Squire made himself unavailable earlier this year.
Wingers George Bridge and Sevu Reece are also selected after strong performances in the 36-0 victory over Australia when Hansen dropped veteran Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane after some sub-par performances.
Both Smith, who is leaving for France after the tournament, and Ioane are named along with the versatile Jordie Barrett, who can play across the backline.
Fly-half Richie Mo'unga, who injured his shoulder against the Wallabies, has been given the all clear and is expected to resume his dual playmaking role with Beauden Barrett at the World Cup.
