By Matt Findlay

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen opted for experience in naming his blockbuster 31-man squad for New Zealand’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) title defence, selecting a group boasting almost 1500 Test Match caps.

Incredibly though, the biggest talking point comes from the omission of a young man who has only played one Test – Highlanders five-eighth Lima Sopoaga.

Water coolers, online forums and media outlets of every description have been bombarded by punters, experts and ex-players alike, all trying to fathom how Hansen left out the form play-maker of the Super Rugby competition, particularly after his stunning international debut against the Springboks in the Rugby Championship.

In one of the most obvious instance of Hansen seeking experience over form, he chose tried and true first-fives Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade ahead of Sopoaga.

“I’m sure it won’t be the last time a lot of the players who have missed out play for the All Blacks. As we have seen in previous Rugby World Cups, anything can happen with injuries, and we want those players to be ready to step in if needed,” Hansen said of his tough selections.

“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.”

Fourteen of the All Black’s 2011 RWC squad return for England 2015, where New Zealand face a far from gruelling group stage against the strong Argentine unit, hot-and-cold Tongans and minnow countries Georgia and Namibia.

In short, the All Blacks are unbackable to pass the group stage, and remain firm favourites to be the first side to ever claim back-to-back William Webb Ellis Cups.

PLAYER TO WATCH – Dan Carter (five-eighth)

Saying it is nigh on blasphemy to kiwis, but Carter is under immense pressure leading into the 2015 RWC.

With Sopoaga breathing down his neck, many suggested Carter’s time was up until his heroics against in Wallabies in Bledisloe II at Eden Park.

But Hansen showed faith in Carter, arguably the greatest five-eighth to wear the All Black jersey, and it’s now up to the 33-year-old to repay his faith.

The prudent question is, if Carter goes down during the group stages, will Slade or Barrett be up to filling his boots?

SQUAD

Forwards: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Victor Vito.

Backs: Tawera Kerr–Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter, Colin Slade, Malakai Fekitoa, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Ben Smith.

FIXTURES

Sunday, September 20: vs Argentina; Wembley Stadium, London; 4.45pm

Thursday, September 24: vs Namibia; The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London; 8pm

Friday, October 2: vs Georgia; Millenium Stadium, Cardiff; 8pm

Friday, October 9: vs Tonga; St James Park, Newcastle upon Tyne; 8pm