Rugby World Cup 2015 profile: New Zealand

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup 2011 final against France Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Current champions, undoubted tournament favourites, the All Blacks will go into the Rugby World Cup 2015 with high hopes. But in order to defend their crown, New Zealand must buck an unwelcome trend.

The All Blacks have won the World Cup twice before - the inaugural tournament in 1987 and the last one held in 2011. However, both were hosted by New Zealand, meaning they have only ever won a World Cup on their own soil.

So even with a squad full of star names and the prospect of a third World Cup win in the offing, the All Blacks will have to conquer unchartered territory to win England 2015.

THE HAKA

One of the iconic spectacles of the Rugby World Cup. The haka is a traditional war cry or challenge of the Maori people of New Zealand. The All Blacks, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji all perform their own haka before international matches.

There was controversy in the 2011 final when France breached a 'cultural ritual protocol' by advancing over the half-way line as New Zealand performed their haka before kick-off. France were later fined £2,500 over the incident.

Watch the All Blacks perform the haka before the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final at Eden Park, Auckland:

SQUAD

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

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

ONE TO WATCH

Julian Savea: Pace, power and unrivalled an ability to burst through defences. The 25-year-old could be a key player for the All Blacks.

NORTH EAST TRAINING BASE

Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club

MATCHES

  • Sun 20 Sept: NewZealand v Argentina (Wembley Stadium, 4:45pm)

  • Thu 24 Sept: New Zealand v Namibia (Olympic Stadium, 8pm)

  • Fri 2 Oct: New Zealand v Georgia (Millennium Stadium, 8pm)

  • FRI 9 OCT: NEW ZEALAND V TONGA (ST JAMES’ PARK, 8PM)

KEY DATES

  • Fri 11 Sept: All Blacks arrive in London

  • Sat 24 Sept: Travel bybus to Cardiff

  • Sat 3 Oct: Fly to Durham Tees Valley Airport

  • Sun 4 Oct: Media conference at Darlington Mowden Park

  • Mon 5 Oct: Training session at Darlington Mowden Park

  • Wed 7 Oct: Team announcement at Rockliffe Hall, Darlington

  • Thu 8 Oct: Captain’s run at St James’ Park, Newcastle