All Blacks set to name first 2007 squad

New Zealand will give an insight into their World Cup plans when they name a 30-man squad today for the first seven games of the year.

The All Blacks, early favourites to win this year's World Cup, open their domestic season with two tests against France then a one-off clash against Canada.

After that they play Australia and South Africa home and away as part of the Tri-Nations competition.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry already provided a clue into his probable World Cup squad by picking a select band of 22 players to undergo a conditioning course, preventing them from playing in the first half of the Super 14 season.

With those 22 all expected to be chosen, the remaining interest is in the identity of the other eight players.

New Zealand are also fielding a team, the Junior All Blacks, in the Pacific Nations Cup to ensure as many players as possible can press their claims for selection.