The 31 players to defend the Rugby World Cup trophy have been named.

WATCH: LIVE STREAM of the Veitchy on Sport panel discussion of the RWC2015 squad.

LISTEN: Steve Hansen on the risks and rewards of their selections.

The remarkable comeback from injury of Waisake Naholo and the omission of Israel Dagg and Cory Jane are two of the major talking points.

Naholo fractured his leg in his test debut against Argentina in mid-July, but traditional Fijian medicines have helped him return to fitness.

Naholo and Nehe Milner-Skudder have won out ahead of Jane and Dagg for spots in the outside backs.

After plenty of speculation, three halfbacks have been named, with Tawera Kerr-Barlow included despite limited game time after a serious knee injury.

Highlanders first-five Lima Sopoaga has missed out, with selectors preferring the more experience Beauden Barrett and versatile Colin Sade.

Only three specialists locks have been named, with Jeremy Thrush the player to miss out.

The world cup starts in just under three weeks time.

The All Blacks squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup is:

Beauden Barrett

Sam Cane

Daniel Carter

Dane Coles

Wyatt Crockett

Charlie Faumuina

Malakai Fekitoa

Ben Franks

Owen Franks

Jerome Kaino

Tawera Kerr-Barlow

Richie McCaw (captain)

Keven Mealamu

Liam Messam

Nehe Milner-Skudder

Waisake Naholo

Ma'a Nonu

TJ Perenara

Kieran Read

Brodie Retallick

Luke Romano

Julian Savea

Colin Slade

Aaron Smith

Ben Smith

Conrad Smith

Codie Taylor

Victor Vito

Sam Whitelock

Sonny Bill Williams

Tony Woodcock