© Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images

The emotional contrasts a Rugby World Cup squad were showcased in the wake of New Zealand's announcement with bolter Nehe Milner-Skudder reacting in disbelief to his inclusion while Israel Dagg was left "gutted" at missing out.

Steve Hansen went with a bold selection in the back three as he named two wingers with just three caps between them in the final 31-man squad. Waiseke Naholo was given the nod despite having broken his leg six weeks ago while Milner-Skudder was also included having won just two Test caps.

Milner-Skudder was informed of his inclusion by phone as he answered a call from a number he did not recognise.

"It was the manager Shandy [Darren Shand] and he gave me some really, really good news," the Hurricanes winger said. "At first I was in shock; in disbelief. I was like 'are you sure you've got the right number and is this really happening'. It's kind of all sinking in being around all the boys and being here tonight."

But as is the case with World Cup squads, for every overjoyed Milner-Skudder there is a Dagg. The versatile back has been a mainstay in the All Blacks side over the last four years but he missed out.

Dropped veterans Jane and Dagg have vented their disappointment at falling short in a tight race for All Blacks outside back berths at the World Cup. Injuries and father time have seemingly caught up with the pair, whose good recent form at provincial level wasn't enough.

Winger Jane, 32, and fullback Dagg, 27, provided much of the flair when the All Blacks won the 2011 crown. They have been regulars since although injury has eaten into their Test and Super Rugby output over the past two seasons.

Jane, who has played 53 Tests, gave an early indication he hadn't made the cut when he tweeted he was taking his children out for a takeaway meal, soon before the squad was unveiled at parliament. After the announcement, he followed up with an apparent acceptance that his Test days are numbered.

"I enjoyed every moment playing for my country & fulfilling my DREAM. #All_Black_1080. #53_Tests. 2008-2015. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES."

Dagg couldn't hide his disappointment he won't add to his 48 caps.

"Gutted to not be in the RWC2015 team but congrats and all the best @AllBlacks men.. it's been a hell of a journey cheers," he tweeted.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and assistant coach Ian Foster shared the role of telephoning the 12 omitted squad players on Sunday morning.

"These guys have worked their butts off to make this team and some of them have played a lot of Test matches," he said. "It deserves to be done with a bit of dignity. The nice thing was, they're in a safe environment. It wasn't a long conversation and it was done as softly and nicely as we could do."

Others particularly unlucky to miss out were wing Charles Piutau, first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, lock Jeremy Thrush and prop Nepo Laulala. All 12 omitted players will also be told to stay in shape in case injuries strike during the tournament.

Hansen pointed to the 2011 campaign when three players were called in, including first five-eighth Stephen Donald who was a replacement in the final and went on to kick a winning penalty against France.

"We need these guys to be mentally in the right place and turn up physically in the right condition to be able to carry on and not miss a beat," Hansen said.