All Black coach Graham Henry has named the 22 players who he wants to miss most of the 2007 Super 14 so that they can undertake a conditioning program for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

This is in despite of concerns from News Ltd that withholding these players will devalue the Super 14 competition. News Ltd recently paid $664 million to renew a five-year broadcasting deal for the Super 14.

The most effected Super 14 franchise will be the Crusaders who have seven players named in the list (six from Canterbury and one from Tasman).

South Africa and Australia have not followed the All Blacks example and are not planning to rest players.

Protected players

Forwards: Jerry Collins (Wellington), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Carl Hayman (Otago), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Chris Jack (Tasman), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Chris Masoe (Wellington), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So’oialo (Wellington), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury), Ali Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Dan Carter (Canterbury), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

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