Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan says there weren't too many surprises in the All Blacks' World Cup squad – barring the inclusion of Waisake Naholo.

The former Bay captain also admitted his squad were 'stoked” for Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick, after the Steamers pair were included in Steve Hansen's 31.

The inclusion of Sam Cane (left) and Brodie Retallick in the All Blacks' World Cup squad has been welcomed in the Bay of Plenty. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

'I guess Waisake Naholo's inclusion was one that raised a few eyebrows,” admits Clayton. 'But the guy was sensational throughout the Super Rugby competition. Had he not been injured, I'd imagine he'd of been a shoe-in anyway.”

Clayton says the fact Waisake had made a full recovery from a hairline fracture was enough to convince the coaching staff to select him.

The Steamers' coach says he thought the squad was mixed with experience, depth and talent, and is also glad to see the inclusion of two Bay players.

'The team are absolutely stoked for Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick too. Brodie's yet to pull on the Bay jersey, but we're glad for him.”

Meanwhile, Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says now that the squad has finally been announced, it's time for rugby fans from all corners of the region to get behind the team.

Simon also states he was pleased to see local boy Cane make the squad for this year's showcase tournament, to be played in England and Wales.

'It was no surprise really, but I'll keep saying ‘he's an All Blacks captain of the future',” says Simon.

'I do feel sorry for those who have missed out – the likes of Israel Dagg and Cory Jane – but it's good to see some fresh blood in the team as well. It's the same in politics, you have to have fresh blood to remain successful.”

The National MP says it was now time for Tauranga to get behind the All Blacks' bid to defend their World Cup crown.

'We are at the sharp end now,” he adds, 'and there will be quite a few players playing their last games for the All Blacks. It's going to be the end of an era for the likes of McCaw, Carter and Conrad.

'Now the selections have been made, we are only a hop-skip-and-a-jump from the World Cup. I want all of Tauranga to get their dark kits on and get behind our team.”

The All Blacks squad, captained by Richie McCaw, features 17 forwards and 14 backs with the following positional breakdown: three hookers, five props, three locks, six loose forwards, three halfbacks, three first five-eighths, four midfielders and four outside backs.

It will be a particularly exciting time for 17 of the All Blacks squad, who will be going to their first Rugby World Cup competition.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says it's a huge honour for those selected to represent their country on the international stage.

'It's the pinnacle for any New Zealand rugby player and we know the players and their families will be immensely proud of what they have achieved, as are we,” says Steve.

'Conversely, we know that there are some players who are disappointed. We are a tight-knit family and it's always difficult when players miss out.

'Those players did everything asked of them and the selections are more a reflection of the player depth that we have, and the mix of players required to effectively manage a 31-strong squad at what is a unique tournament with a unique set of replacement player rules.”

The squad features provincial representation from 11 of New Zealand's ITM Cup provinces and all of New Zealand's five Investec Super Rugby clubs are represented.

With 1,484 caps spread amongst the 31-man squad, it's a hugely experienced side, balanced with a number of newer All Blacks, with nine players having played fewer than 25 Tests. The side has an average age of 28.

The All Blacks will have a three-day camp in Wellington this week before the entire squad files around the country on Thursday September 3, for the hugely popular All Blacks to the Nation event.

The players will be hosted by communities in Long Bay and Papakura in Auckland, New Plymouth, Greytown, Whakatane, Gisborne, Westport, Stoke, Dunedin and Mataura.

The squad will then reassemble in Auckland for a three-day camp on Monday September 7, before flying to London on Thursday September 10.

Fans will get a final chance to farewell the team at a public training event at Waitakere's Trusts Stadium the day before, on Wednesday September 9.

The All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad is:

Forwards:

Hookers: Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu and Codie Taylor

Props: Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ben Franks, Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock

Locks: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano and Samuel Whitelock

Loose: Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Liam Messam, Kieran Read and Victor Vito

Backs:

Halfbacks: Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara and Aaron Smith

First: Beauden Barrett, Daniel Carter and Colin Slade

Midfielders: Malakai Fekitoa, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Sonny Bill Williams

Outside: Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea and Ben Smith.

Rugby World Cup 2015 – All Blacks' Pool C fixtures

1. Argentina (4.45PM, Sunday 20 September, Wembley Stadium, London)
2. Namibia (8.00PM, Thursday 24 September, Olympic Stadium, London)
3. Georgia (8.00PM, Friday 2 October, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff)
4. Tonga (8.00PM, Friday 9 October, St. James' Park, Newcastle)